‘Manjummel Boys’ director Chidambaram S Poduval gets exemption in sexual harassment case, know details

Mumbai: Chidambaram S., director of Malayalam cinema’s famous film ‘Manjummel Boys’. Poduval has been granted anticipatory bail from the Ernakulam Sessions Court in the sexual assault case. Judge K.K. Balakrishnan gave this decision after hearing the arguments of both the sides. The court has provided relief to Chidambaram with some special conditions. The case pertains to an incident that occurred in 2022, when an actress alleged that he entered her apartment without permission and misbehaved in May 2022.

Chidambaram got relief

Based on the complaint, the Ernakulam Town South police had registered a case under sections 354 (assault with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman), 354A (sexual harassment involving physical contact) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Some reports have also mentioned the new law, sections 74 and 75 of the Indian Judicial Code (BNS).

Chidambaram has denied all the allegations in his anticipatory bail plea. His lawyers told the court that all his contacts with the actress were purely professional and related to film production. The defense also raised questions on the delay in filing the complaint. He said that the complaint was filed after four years, which is suspicious. He also claimed that this was possibly an attempt to damage the director’s image.

During the hearing, the Court also took note of the delay in the complaint and the report of the investigating officer. The investigating officer clarified that the complainant did not cooperate fully in the investigation. Keeping these aspects in mind, the Court decided to grant anticipatory bail to Chidambaram. The film ‘Manjummel Boys’ was released in 2024 and became a huge success at the box office. The film is based on a true incident and was highly appreciated by the audience.

Earlier, Chidambaram had also made a successful film like ‘Jan.E.Man’. Since the matter came to light, the director had made his social media profiles private. This matter has become a topic of great discussion in the Malayalam film industry. The legal process is ongoing and new facts may emerge in further investigation. The truth between the claims of both the parties will be decided by the court. At present, Chidambaram has got relief from arrest by getting anticipatory bail.