In a surprising turn of events, the Kerala High Court has dismissed all criminal charges against Malayalam film director Ranjith. The case, filed in August 2024, claimed that in 2009, Ranjith held an actress’s hand and tried to touch her in a way that was allegedly meant to offend her modesty. Prosecutors had booked him under Sections 354 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code, which cover assault with intent to outrage a woman’s modesty and insulting gestures.
Justice C. Pratheep Kumar ruled that the case should be dismissed because it was beyond the statute of limitations. Under the law then in force in 2009, the maximum penalty for the alleged acts was two years. Section 468 of the Criminal Procedure Code set a three‑year limit to bring a case to court. The High Court pointed out that the authorities had waited more than 15 years before filing the charge sheet, which was too long. The court also cited the earlier decision in Johnson Alexander v. State (CBI case 1478/2010) as support.
An earlier ruling had closed Ranjith’s anticipation‑bail request, noting that the alleged offence was bailable when it happened. With the new order, every pending prosecution related to the 2009 incident is officially terminated.
The decision comes after Ranjith stepped down as Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy a few months after the allegations. Since then, he has largely stayed out of the public eye.
This ruling means that the Malayalam director, known for his successful films, drama work, and occasional acting, will no longer face legal action from the 2009 meeting. The High Court’s decision highlights the importance of timely filing in criminal cases, especially those involving sexual harassment or modesty violations under the Indian Penal Code.
Source: ianslive
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