Kochi: In a development that underscores the legal limits on electoral participation for those in custody, a court in Kerala’s Ernakulam on Wednesday refused to grant interim bail to filmmaker Ranjith, who is currently lodged in jail in connection with an alleged sexual assault case involving a young actress.
Ranjith had approached the court seeking temporary relief to cast his vote in the polling on Thursday.
His counsel argued that voting is a fundamental democratic right and requested that interim bail be granted solely for that purpose.
However, the prosecution strongly opposed the plea, contending that bail cannot be granted merely to enable voting.
The court accepted the prosecution’s argument, pointing out that under provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, individuals in custody are not entitled to vote.
Observing that the legal position was clear, the court dismissed the interim bail application, effectively ruling out Ranjith’s participation in the ongoing electoral process.
The hearing also saw procedural constraints come into play.
Earlier in the day, when the matter was taken up, Ranjith was not produced before the court.
The prosecution informed the bench that police personnel were preoccupied with election-related duties and were therefore unable to present him.
It was indicated that he would be produced after the conclusion of polling, likely on April 10.
Against this backdrop, the defence reiterated its request for interim bail, citing the delay in production.
The court, however, remained unconvinced and declined relief.
Ranjith has been under judicial custody since the beginning of this month following his arrest based on a complaint lodged by a young actress.
Meanwhile, the court is expected to take up his regular bail application in the coming days, with an order anticipated shortly thereafter.
The case has drawn considerable public attention, not only due to the serious nature of the allegations but also because it raises broader questions about the intersection of individual rights and statutory restrictions during the electoral process.
(IANS)
