Crimes against women are continuing to increase but there is a change in the patriarchal mindset of society – Kerala HC

CASE: Vijay Babu v State of Kerala

COURT: Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas

The Kerala High Court recently observed that crimes against women are continuing to increase but there is a change in the patriarchal mindset of society. Justice Bechu remarked that progress can be seen in terms of women's empowerment as a large section of women are being able to speak openly about sex. Women are no longer worried about speaking about their sexual escapades in public.

The Kerala High Court was hearing the anticipatory bail petition filed by actor-producer Vijay Babu in a rape case filed against him after an actress accused him of sexually exploiting her.

Advocate S Rajeev, counsel appearing for Babu, contended that the complaint against him was an attempt to blackmail him. Additionally, he claimed that the police are guided by the intense scrutiny and wide speculations that have been widely published by the media.

Adv Rajesh further pointed out that the complainant, a young unmarried woman, was facing social ostracisation and victimization everywhere including on social media. The cumulative effects of these factors should be viewed through an intersectional lens. 

Adv Rajesh said that the pieces of evidence must be viewed without prejudice, especially since the applicant had admitted that he did engage in sexual intercourse with her.

BACKGROUND

During the #MeToo movement, a debutante- actress alleged that Babu sexually exploited her under the guise of considering her for acting roles. A first information report (FIR) was registered against him. Babu went live on Facebook and denied all allegations raised against him and more importantly, he revealed the name of the complainant while claiming to know the legal consequences.

A separate FIR was then registered for disclosing the name of the survivor. In this case, the Court closed the anticipatory bail plea, noting that the offense alleged is bailable.

The matter will be taken up for consideration on June 17