Alleged misbehaviour with journalist; Court accepts Suresh Gopi's plea, grants anticipatory bail

KOCHI: High Court has granted anticipatory bail to actor and former MP Suresh Gopi in the case of insulting a journalist. The bench led by Justice Sophie Thomas instructed the police to release Suresh Gopi on bail if arrested. Suresh Gopi's plea highlighted his daughter's impending marriage on January 17 requesting anticipatory bail in light of this event.

Meanwhile, the government informed the court that there was no current necessity for arrest. The court sought the government's stance on the matter which stems from a dispute related to a protest march concerning investors affected by the Karuvannur bank fraud case.

The complaint alleges that Suresh Gopi forcibly touched a journalist's shoulder while she questioned him in a Kozhikode hotel lobby on October 27. The Nadakkavu police registered a case of alleged sexual assault under two sub-sections of Section 354A.

Suresh Gopi was previously released after questioning on November 18. His anticipatory bail application notes additional charges under Section 354, a non-bailable offence punishable with up to five years imprisonment raising fears of imminent arrest. The plea emphasizes the upcoming wedding on January 17 in Guruvayur followed by a reception in Thiruvananthapuram urging for the anticipatory bail.