A sessions court in Kerala has arrested Malayalam filmmaker Chidambaram S., known for directing hit films. Poduval has been granted anticipatory bail. sweet boyIn a case accusing an actress of sexual harassment. The order was passed on March 7 by Sessions Judge KK Balakrishnan while accepting Poduval’s plea for pre-arrest bail in connection with a case registered by the Ernakulam Town South police station.
Manjummel Boys director Chidambaram S. Poduval gets anticipatory bail in sexual harassment case
According to case records, the filmmaker has been booked under Indian Penal Code sections 354 (outraging the dignity of a woman), 354A(1)(i) (sexual harassment), and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the dignity of a woman).
While considering the petition, the court took note of the submission of the investigating officer that the complainant is currently living abroad and is not cooperating in the investigation. The court also recorded that no prior criminal history was registered against Poduval. Another factor considered by the court was the delay in filing the complaint. The alleged incident is said to have taken place in May 2022, while the First Information Report (FIR) was filed almost four years later on February 28, 2026.
The court also took note of the defamation case filed by Poduval before the Bombay High Court, seeking damages against the complainant. In that case, the High Court had reportedly restrained the complainant from publishing allegedly defamatory material about the filmmaker on any platform.
Keeping these aspects in mind, the Sessions Court found that custodial interrogation was not necessary and allowed the anticipatory bail plea. Granting anticipatory bail subject to conditions, the court said, “Considering all the above aspects, I am of the view that this is a fit case to exercise the jurisdiction vested under Section 482 of the BNSS to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.”
According to the prosecution, the complainant alleged that the accused forcibly entered her apartment in Kochi in May 2022, entered her room in the nude and pressed her breasts with the intention of sexually assaulting her and insulting her modesty. However, Poduval denied the allegations and claimed that his interactions with the complainant during the production were purely professional. sweet boyIn which he had a role.
He also told the court that the complainant had allegedly launched a systematic campaign against him on social media, including posting videos and creating an Instagram highlight titled “Rape Dudes”, which he said caused reputational damage and mental distress.
The government lawyer opposed the anticipatory bail plea, arguing that the accused could influence the witness. However, after considering the submissions and available records, the court granted bail with conditions. Poduval has been directed to appear before the investigating officer whenever required, avoid influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence and not involve himself in any other crime.
