The Kerala High Court on Tuesday granted bail to businessman Boby Chemmanur, arrested last week for allegedly making obscene remarks about Malayalam actor Honey Rose. The court, while granting bail, observed that body shaming is unacceptable in society and advised individuals to exercise caution when commenting on others.
Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan, who heard the bail plea, noted the prima facie evidence against Chemmanur, highlighting that his words carried double meanings, which any Malayali could interpret as offensive. The judge underscored that such remarks align with the allegations made under relevant sections of the Kerala BNS Act and the IT Act.
Chemmanur was taken into custody by Kochi city police on January 8 following a complaint filed by Honey Rose. The actress alleged that during the inauguration of a jewelry showroom in Kannur, Chemmanur made disrespectful remarks towards her. She also accused him of making further obscene statements at another event.
“I chose not to react immediately to avoid disrupting the event,” Rose explained in her complaint, according to Indian Express. Based on her allegations, the businessman was booked under Sections 75(1)(i) and 75(1)(iv) of the Kerala BNS Act and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, which pertains to publishing or transmitting obscene material electronically.
During the hearing, the court recorded Chemmanur’s assurance that he would refrain from making such statements on social media in the future. Justice Kunhikrishnan remarked, “Body shaming is not acceptable in our society. Comments about a person’s physical appearance—be it about weight, height, or complexion—should be avoided. Everyone must remain vigilant about their remarks, whether directed at men or women.”
The court reiterated the principle that bail is the rule and jail is the exception, granting Chemmanur release on the condition of adherence to the law and avoidance of similar offenses.
