Supreme Court Protects Malayalam Actor Amid Rape Case Controversy

The Supreme Court's interim protection of Malayalam actor Sidhique in a rape case has provoked strong reactions from women leaders in Kerala. State Higher Education Minister R Bindhu emphasized that a delay in filing complaints should not hinder justice. The police efforts to locate the absconding actor continue.

The Supreme Court's decision to grant interim protection from arrest to Malayalam actor Sidhique in a rape case has sparked sharp criticism from women leaders in Kerala. State Higher Education Minister R Bindhu contended that delaying to lodge a complaint should not impede justice for the victim.

Bindhu stressed the apex court's duty to uphold women's rights, emphasizing that interim protection holds no weight if solid evidence exists against the accused. She rebuffed criticisms of police inefficiency, stating the actor's evasion made apprehension challenging, and assured that interim protection is not permanent.

Senior CPI (M) leader K K Shailaja clarified that the Supreme Court's interim protection order does not equate to government complicity, highlighting that the state opposed Sidhique's bail plea. Meanwhile, issues within the film sector continue to surface, influenced by the Justice Hema Committee's revelations.