Malayalam Director Ranjith's Arrest Sparks Legal Debate

Malayalam film director Ranjith's arrest has set off a legal firestorm with his detention being extended for another three days by an Ernakulam court. The judge allowed the police's request for custody amid allegations of sexual harassment brought by an actress during a film shoot in Fort Kochi.

Ranjith, who was arrested from Thodupuzha, has contested the validity of the arrest, arguing through his lawyer that it contravenes Supreme Court guidelines requiring arrests only in cases warranting more than seven years of punishment. His health complications were also presented as reasons against custody.

Advocate S Rajeev criticized the arrest procedure, labeling it a violation of judicial directives. The bail hearing is scheduled for April 7, with Ranjith expected in court the day before, prompting discussions on the broader implications of arrest protocols in such cases.