The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed proceedings against actor Edavela Babu in a sexual harassment case, with Justice A. Badharudeen setting the next hearing for November 18.
The stay comes as Babu seeks to quash the proceedings related to an FIR lodged against him.
The FIR was filed based on a complaint from a female actor who alleged that Babu solicited sexual favors in exchange for her application for membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA).
She claimed that during a phone call about her membership and potential roles, Babu, then the general secretary of AMMA, suggested that her application fee of ₹2 lakhs could be “adjusted” if she was willing to “adjust” as well. The woman stated she had only ₹1.5 lakhs available.
Babu faces charges under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 354A(1)(ii) for demanding sexual favors, 354A(1)(iv) for making sexually colored remarks, and 509 for insulting a woman’s modesty.
In his petition, Babu argued that the complaint is fabricated, emphasizing that under AMMA’s bylaws, he alone could not approve membership applications. He also asserted that the actual membership fee was ₹1 lakh, not ₹2 lakhs as claimed.
Moreover, he contended that even if the allegations were true, they did not meet the legal requirements to prove sexual harassment.
“Even if we take her statement at face value, it suggests she can pay part of the fee now and settle the remainder later,” his plea noted. “There is no clear demand for sexual favors.”
Babu also pointed out a six-year delay in filing the FIR, which he claimed was unexplained by the complainant. He argued that continuing the proceedings would waste judicial resources and urged the court to dismiss the case.
After reviewing arguments from both Babu’s legal team and the state prosecution, the court deemed it appropriate to stay the proceedings until the next hearing. It also issued a notice to the complainant.
Babu’s legal representation includes advocates Abraham Mathan, P.P. Harris, and Antony Thekkekkara. He is among several actors in the Malayalam film industry facing allegations following the release of the Justice K. Hema Committee Report on the working conditions for women in the industry. The report, which highlighted extensive sexual abuse and casting couch practices, led to significant public outcry and the resignation of all 17 members of AMMA’s executive committee, including Babu.
The wave of allegations has prompted criminal cases and bail petitions, with numerous women coming forward with serious accusations against prominent figures in the industry. Recently, Babu was granted anticipatory bail by the Ernakulam Sessions Court in a separate rape case.
