‘Casting couch must be dealt with heavy hand’: Kerala High Court grants bail to film director

Calling it a“matter of grave concern”, the court noted the specific allegation that the accused wrongfully restrained the complainant and physically molested her, holding that such conduct amounts to a “serious affront to the dignity of women”.

“Consequently, offences of this nature, which exploit professional aspirations for sexual gratification, must be dealt with by the Court with a heavy hand,” Justice Sebastian said.

However, the high court found that the director had been in judicial custody since December 3, 2025 and that the investigation had crossed its “major and crucial stages”, observing that further incarceration would not serve “any useful purpose”.

The court, in its December 30 order passed last year, held that the “presence and cooperation” of the accused during the ongoing investigation could be ensured by imposing “stringent bail conditions” and granted bail.

‘Stringent bail conditions’

The court, while granting bail to the director, included the following conditions:

• Appear before the investigating officer on every Monday for three months or until the final report is filed, whichever occurs first.
• Execute a bond for Rs 50,000 with two solvent sureties to the satisfaction of the concerned court.
• No direct or indirect contact with the complainant and no attempt to intimidate, influence, or interfere with her, or tamper with any evidence.
• Appear before the investigating officer as and when required and co-operate with the investigation.
• Not commit any offence while on bail.

• Surrender the passport before the court concerned within seven days of release from jail, or file an affidavit if no passport is held.

The high court further directed that if the director violates any of the bail conditions, the investigating officer would be at “liberty” to file a bail cancellation application before the concerned court, which may pass “appropriate orders”, notwithstanding the fact that the bail was granted by this court.

What is casting couch

The “casting couch” refers to a persistent malpractice in the entertainment industry, where individuals in positions of power, such as directors or producers, demand sexual favours or other compromises from aspiring actors and actresses in exchange for roles or career advancement.

Several actors and actresses have publicly acknowledged being propositioned or being aware of others who were exploited through such practices.