In a high-profile case, the Supreme Court of India has extended interim protection from arrest for Malayalam film actor Siddique, who faces allegations of rape. On Tuesday, the bench, comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma, upheld its previous interim order from September 30, providing Siddique with temporary relief from arrest. The court has instructed Siddique to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation led by the Kerala Police, who claim that the actor has been less than forthcoming with information pertinent to the case.
 Siddique’s Legal Defense and Allegations of Non-Cooperation.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Siddique, argued that the actor has been complying with the authorities but that the Kerala Police are repeatedly asking him for his electronic devices, such as his phone and laptop, which he reportedly no longer possesses. These devices, which date back to 2016, are at the center of the investigation, and the absence of these electronics has become a sticking point in the proceedings.
In addition, Rohatgi noted that Siddique had minimal interaction with the complainant, meeting her only once. Despite this, the police have been adamant in their demand for various personal documents, including Siddique’s passport and Aadhaar card, claiming they are essential to verify his movements and establish communication patterns relevant to the investigation.
On the other side, Kerala Police, represented by senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, contended that Siddique has been evasive, providing responses that lack clarity and complicate the investigative process. According to the police’s recent status report, Siddique has failed to cooperate fully and, allegedly, has taken steps to hinder the investigation. The report specifically accuses the actor of destroying or withholding evidence, including deleting social media accounts and possibly tampering with electronic devices.
Court Extends Interim Protection and Allows for Further Legal Filings.
On October 22, the Supreme Court had already provided Siddique with a two-week extension on his interim protection order, allowing him time to submit a rejoinder affidavit in response to the Kerala Police’s allegations. During Tuesday’s proceedings, the court reiterated this order, instructing Siddique to formally file his rejoinder to address the accusations of non-cooperation and device destruction. This move is intended to ensure that Siddique’s defense team has a chance to counter the claims made by Kerala Police while continuing to afford him interim legal protection.
The Kerala Police have expressed frustration over Siddique’s perceived lack of transparency, insisting that the missing devices and allegedly deleted online profiles are hindering their ability to reconstruct events central to the case. The police argue that digital evidence could provide vital information, potentially linking Siddique to the complainant in a way that corroborates her accusations. Siddique, for his part, insists that he has complied with all reasonable requests from law enforcement and has not taken any deliberate actions to obstruct justice.
The Broader Impact of the Hema Committee Report and Public Perception.
This case has unfolded in the shadow of broader discussions about accountability and abuse within the Malayalam film industry, spurred in part by the Justice Hema Committee report. Released in 2017, the report revealed widespread issues of harassment and abuse in the industry, putting additional scrutiny on cases involving allegations against prominent actors and industry figures. For Siddique, this heightened awareness has led to greater public attention and raised questions about the prevalence of harassment in the entertainment world.
The court’s decision to extend interim protection provides Siddique with temporary relief, but it remains unclear how this complex case will proceed. As Kerala Police continue their investigation, observers are watching closely to see whether Siddique will be able to clear his name or if further evidence will corroborate the accusations against him. Given the public’s sensitivity to issues of abuse and harassment, the case also has significant implications for the industry’s reputation and the ongoing efforts to address abuse allegations more effectively.
Is Siddique Likely to Cooperate Fully?
The ongoing back-and-forth between Siddique’s defense team and Kerala Police highlights the challenges of navigating high-stakes investigations in an era where digital evidence plays a critical role. Siddique’s claim that he no longer possesses the devices requested by the police will likely remain contentious. For the court, determining the sincerity of Siddique’s cooperation may hinge on his willingness to provide alternative means of verifying his statements, such as through documented timelines or witness testimony. If Siddique continues to withhold or lacks the materials the police consider essential, this legal battle could extend further, potentially complicating his public image and affecting his career.
While Kerala Police allege that Siddique is obstructing justice, his legal team contends that the lack of evidence should not be grounds for adverse conclusions. However, in the face of such high-profile allegations, even temporary protection from arrest offers limited reassurance. The coming weeks, as the investigation continues, may reveal more details about Siddique’s interactions with the complainant and his level of cooperation with law enforcement.
The Supreme Court’s interim order signifies a balancing act between the actor’s right to a fair investigation and the complainant’s right to justice. As both sides prepare for the next legal steps, Siddique’s case reflects the complexities of handling allegations in an industry that, since the Hema Committee report, has faced increasing pressure to address misconduct and protect its members. Whether the accusations are substantiated or dismissed, the case underlines the growing importance of digital forensics in contemporary investigations, especially in cases involving public figures and allegations that draw extensive media attention.