The producers of the Malayalam blockbuster Manjummel Boys have approached the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a cheating and criminal breach of trust case related to the film’s production. The matter is currently under consideration and is next listed for hearing on June 26.
During the proceedings on June 19, the producers’ senior counsel informed the court that they had received a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, directing them to appear before the police on June 20.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas granted interim protection, extending the time for police appearance to June 27, as the court couldn’t immediately hear the bail application.
Section 35(3) of BNSS allows the police to issue a notice to appear without arrest when reasonable suspicion, credible information, or complaints exist involving cognizable offences.
The case stems from a complaint by Siraj Valiyathara Hameed, alleging that producers Shawn Anthony, Soubin Shahir, and Shahir’s father—operating under Parava Films LLP—failed to share profits from the film, breaching the terms of an investment agreement.
Charges have been filed under Sections 120B, 34, 406, 420, and 468 of the IPC (criminal conspiracy, common intention, breach of trust, cheating, and forgery).
Earlier, a stay had protected the producers from arrest during a related Criminal Miscellaneous Case, but it was dismissed, prompting the current bail application.