Rohan Umak
Filmmaker Ranjith gets bail: A magistrate court on Friday granted bail to critically-acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith, who was arrested on March 31, 2026 in connection with an alleged sexual harassment case. However, the court put forth a series of stringent conditions while giving nod to his release.
These bail conditions imposed by court
Judicial Magistrate (First Class), L Usha approved the bail plea, directing Ranjith to surrender his passport and restricting him from leaving Kerala’s Ernakulam district. Additionally, he has also been barred from entering the alleged scene of crime in Fort Kochi, where the film shoot took place.
Moreover, he has also been instructed to execute a bond of Rs 1 lakh along with two solvent sureties of the same amount. The court, at the end of the orders, also directed him to appear before the case’s investigating officer every Monday for the next three months or until the charge sheet is filed. Currently lodged in Ernakulam sub-jail, Ranjith is likely to walk free soon, following the court’s order.
Filmmaker Ranjith gets bail: Prosecution objects to plea
During the case’s hearing, the prosecution opposed the bail application, alleging that the director had not cooperated fully with the investigation. However, the defence countered the claim, saying that Ranjith had neither resisted arrest nor objected to custodial interrogation.
Furthermore, the defence cited his health conditions as a key ground for seeking bail. The court ruled in his favour, keeping in view his medical status and the progress of the probe.
Notably, the case stems from a complaint filed by an actress, who leveled allegations against Ranjith of attempting to assault her sexually during a film shoot. According to her statement, the incident allegedly took place inside a caravan at the shooting location.
On March 28, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on the woman’s complaint. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) had also been constituted to probe the matter after preliminary verification of the allegations.
Filmmaker refutes charges
Speaking to the media after his remand, Ranjith said that the allegations were ‘false’ and expressed confidence in proving his innocence. His legal team claimed that further steps will be taken as the probe advances in the case.
