Kerala High Court grants bail to Boby Chemmanur in sexual harassment case
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The Kerala High Court has granted bail to businessman Boby Chemmanur, who was arrested in connection with a sexual harassment case filed by Malayalam actor Honey Rose.
Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan ruled in favor of Chemmanur, citing that the charges against him carry penalties ranging from one to three years and that arrests for such offenses require sufficient justification under Supreme Court guidelines.
While granting bail, the court stated that stringent conditions would be imposed. It emphasised that “bail is the rule, and jail is the exception.” However, the court noted that there was prima facie evidence to support the charges, including allegations of "sexually coloured remarks" under Section 75(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and publishing obscene material under Section 67 of the IT Act.
The judge observed that the language used by Chemmanur in the case had “double meanings” and stressed the unacceptability of body shaming in society. The court remarked, “Comments about a person’s body, whether too fat, too skinny, too tall, or too dark, should be avoided. Everyone must be cautious when commenting about others.”
Chemmanur was granted bail on executing a bond of ₹50,000 with two solvent sureties of the same amount. The court directed him to cooperate with the investigation and appear before the Investigating Officer as required. He is also instructed to avoid influencing or intimidating witnesses and refrain from committing similar offenses.
If any of these conditions are violated, the jurisdictional court can revoke his bail.
The prosecution opposed the bail, arguing that Chemmanur’s social media activity often included sexually inappropriate remarks. They warned that granting bail could set a negative precedent.
The complaint stems from an incident during an event on August 7, 2024, when Honey Rose inaugurated a showroom of Chemmanur International Jewellery in Kannur. She alleged that Chemmanur made unwelcome advances during the ceremony, including placing a necklace on her and twirling her inappropriately.
Chemmanur denied the allegations, calling them baseless and motivated. He highlighted that Honey Rose had publicly acknowledged their two-decade-long association and had participated in inaugurating several of his stores in the past.
Chemmanur was arrested in Wayanad on January 8, 2025, and subsequently sent to judicial custody for 14 days after his bail plea was rejected by the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-II. Following his appeal to the High Court, the judge noted that Chemmanur’s time in custody had already sent a message to society.