Champion the cause of all citizens, not just men: Kerala High Court to Rahul Easwar

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday had a word of advice for right-wing activist and public commentator Rahul Easwar who has been vocal about men's rights in recent times [Rahul Easwar v State of Kerala]..Justice PV Kunhikrishnan said that Easwar should champion the cause of all citizens irrespective of gender and should not limit himself to the rights of men alone."You are champion of men. (But) you should be champion of citizens, not men alone," the judge remarked.The remark was in response to Easwar's submission that he is attempting to establish a men's commission along the lines of women's commission.The Court was hearing an anticipatory bail plea filed by Easwar seeking protection against potential police action following a Malayalam actress' warning that she might lodge a complaint against him for making comments on television about her clothing choices.The Court had earlier denied interim relief to Easwar in the matter.After going through the police report on Tuesday, the Court disposed of the petition noting that there was no crime registered against him so far."No further orders necessary, but I make it clear that if any case is registered against the petitioner alleging non bailable offence, based on the complaint of the victim mentioned in the bail application, two weeks prior notice shall be given to the petitioner. Before taking any coercive steps, with the above instruction the bail application is disposed of," the judge said. However, the Court also took exception to Easwar mentioning the name of the victim/ actress in his bail plea. "Why you mentioned the name of the victim in the bail application is it proper? Can the supreme court directions be violated, suppose victim says that I have no objection? can I mention the name? It's not proper. You can make general statements, don't individualize," the judge stated. .The controversy originated from high-profile sexual harassment case involving businessman Boby Chemmanur.The actress in question had accused Chemmanur of sexual misconduct, leading to his arrest after an FIR was registered. The Kerala High Court granted him bail.In the wake of this case, Easwar appeared on multiple media platforms to discuss the matter, during which he commented on the actress’ clothing choices. His remarks drew widespread attention and criticism. Subsequently, the actress took to social media, expressing the mental distress caused to her and her family by Easwar’s comments. She also indicated that she might initiate legal proceedings against him.Fearing a potential FIR and legal repercussions, Easwar moved the High Court for anticipatory bail. In his petition, Easwar contended that his comments were not intended to malign or insult the actress but were constructive criticism aimed at promoting a message of modesty to the younger generation. He claimed his statements were misinterpreted and emphasised that he had no intention to justify Chemmanur’s alleged actions or defame the actress in any way..During the hearing, the Public Prosecutor submitted a police report stating that Easwar has not been accused in the crime which was filed based on the complaint lodged by the defacto complainant against Boby Chemmanur.According to the report, a complaint was received at the Central Police Station against Easwar, alleging that he was instigating people to defame the defacto complainant through social media.The police, however, clarified that a preliminary enquiry was ongoing, and that no case has been registered yet against Easwar in connection with the matter.The report further stated that the Court may dismiss the anticipatory bail petition since no crime has been registered against Easwar so far.The Court accepted the argument and disposed of the plea. .Advocates Alex K John, Ninan Thomas, Reena Jacob and Gego George represented Rahul Easwar..[Read Live Coverage]