Kerala HC grants bail to Boby Chemmanur in actor harassment case

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday, January 14, granted bail to businessman Boby Chemmanur in a sexual harassment case filed by actor Honey Rose. The court agreed to grant bail after the police informed that his further custody was not required. The prosecution, however, sought stringent conditions for the bail.

The court stated that a detailed order would be issued at 3.30 pm.

Earlier, on January 9, a first-class judicial magistrate court in Ernakulam had rejected Chemmanur’s bail plea and remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody. The businessman was arrested by the police on January 8, a day after Honey Rose lodged a complaint. Following the denial of bail by the lower court, Chemmanur reportedly experienced physical discomfort and fainted, prompting his admission to the Ernakulam General Hospital.

Chemmanur moved the High Court for bail on January 10. The court, while questioning the urgency of hearing the plea, scheduled it for January 14. It also reprimanded Chemmanur for making public statements, warning that such remarks could be harmful to others and should be avoided.

The case pertains to a complaint by Honey Rose, who accused Chemmanur of using derogatory language against her during an incident four months ago. The actor revealed the details on social media earlier this week, announcing her decision to approach the police. She also indicated that she might extend her complaint to Chemmanur’s associates if necessary.

Rose’s initial social media post, which did not name Chemmanur, led to widespread cyberattacks against her, following which she filed a complaint against the offenders. Police have since arrested around two dozen individuals involved in the attacks.

Chemmanur was taken into custody from his resort in Wayanad on January 8 and transported to Kochi, where he was interrogated and formally arrested.

Honey Rose, who debuted in the 2005 Malayalam film Boyy Friennd, rose to fame with the 2012 film Trivandrum Lodge. She is a prominent figure in the Malayalam film industry.

Boby Chemmanur, chairman of Chemmanur International Group, is a well-known businessman and philanthropist. He gained attention for bringing football legend Diego Maradona to Kerala in 2012 and organising a record-breaking 812-km marathon in 2014 to promote blood donation.

(With IANS inputs)