Kerala HC stays proceedings in case against businessman Bobby Chemmanur for sexually coloured remarks

Kochi: High court on Friday stayed the further proceedings in a case against businessman Bobby Chemmanur, who is accused of making sexually coloured remarks against a Malayalam film actor at the inaugural function of one of his business establishments and subsequently subjecting her to cyber harassment.Justice Jobin Sebastian issued the order while considering a petition by Chemmanur seeking to quash the proceedings in the case, pending before the additional sessions court, Ernakulam, which had been registered on a complaint lodged by the actor. The interim stay order for three weeks came after HC considered an affidavit filed by the actor stating that the dispute between her and Chemmanur had been amicably settled.Earlier, Chemmanur had tendered a public apology through his Instagram page, stating that he had realised his remarks had caused distress to the actor and her family. He also apologised for the harm caused by his remarks and subsequent actions. The actor later accepted the apology and filed an affidavit supporting Chemmanur’s plea, stating that the dispute had been settled. Taking note of the affidavit and the submissions, HC stayed the further proceedings in the case and adjourned the petition for a detailed hearing.

The case arose from an incident during the inaugural function of Chemmanur’s jewellery store at Alacode in Kannur in Aug 2024, where he allegedly made sexually coloured remarks against the actor, who was also present at the event. Acting on her complaint, the Ernakulam Central Police arrested Chemmanur on Jan 8, 2025. He was later released on bail.