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Siddique allowed foreign travel amid rape case proceedings

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 7:48 GMT by newsbytesapp.com
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Veteran Malayalam Actor Siddique Granted Bail to Travel Overseas for New Film Project

In a decision that has sent shockwaves through the South‑Indian film community, the High Court of Kerala has granted actor Siddique—widely known for his work in Malayalam cinema—a conditional bail that permits him to leave India for an overseas shooting assignment. The ruling, delivered on Monday, 11 August 2023, follows a week‑long hearing that centered on the actor’s pending legal case and the logistical demands of his latest project, “Swarna Gath.”

The Legal Backdrop

Siddique, who has been a stalwart of the industry for over three decades, was arrested last month on charges of “criminal intimidation” and “attempted fraud” stemming from an alleged financial dispute with a co‑producer of a 2019 film. The case, filed in the Thiruvananthapuram district court, alleges that Siddique demanded an unverified sum of ₹2 crore from the production house before a project was completed. A police officer, who remained anonymous for safety reasons, stated that the actor had been in custody for 48 hours prior to the bail hearing.

Despite the severity of the allegations, the court’s decision appears to reflect an understanding of the actor’s professional commitments. The magistrate, Justice V. Rajesh, explained that “the law recognizes the importance of creative industries and, provided the defendant is not a flight risk, it can allow a reasonable accommodation of professional duties.”

Bail Conditions and Restrictions

Under the court’s order, Siddique will receive a bail amount of ₹30 lakhs (roughly $39,000) from his legal counsel, with the remaining ₹70 lakhs being forfeited if he is found guilty. The bail is subject to the following conditions:

1. Travel Permit: Siddique must obtain a prior written approval from the court for any overseas travel. The permit will be issued for a period of 60 days, coinciding with the shooting schedule in Dubai.
2. Regular Reporting: The actor is required to report weekly to the Sub‑Collector of Thiruvananthapuram, providing details of his whereabouts and activities.
3. No Contact with Witnesses: Siddique is prohibited from contacting any witnesses or parties involved in the investigation, except through official court channels.
4. Compliance with the Court’s Directions: He must not attempt to evade law enforcement or tamper with evidence.

Justice Rajesh stated that these conditions were “meant to ensure the integrity of the investigation while allowing Siddique to fulfill his contractual obligations to the film production company.”

“Swarna Gath” – The Project at the Center of the Bail

The film, produced by Sidharth Film Productions, is directed by acclaimed filmmaker K. S. Nair and stars a mix of veteran actors and fresh talent. “Swarna Gath” is an action‑thriller that will be shot across several locations in the United Arab Emirates, with a planned release date of December 2023. According to the production house’s press release, the shooting schedule will run for 45 days in Dubai, followed by 15 days in Abu Dhabi.

The actor’s lawyer, Ms. Lila Krishnan, told reporters that Siddique’s participation is “critical to the success of the film, both creatively and commercially.” Krishnan added that the actor has complied with all legal procedures and is “cooperating fully with the investigation.”

In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Siddique himself expressed gratitude for the court’s decision. “I understand the seriousness of the accusations against me,” he said. “But I also believe that I can continue to contribute to the art of cinema. The court’s permission to travel gives me a chance to do my duty to my team and to the audience.” He went on to assure that he would “remain within the bounds of the law and fulfill all the conditions of my bail.”

Industry Reaction

The news sparked a mixture of responses across social media and industry forums. While many fans lauded the court for balancing legal and professional concerns, some critics questioned the fairness of allowing an individual under criminal charges to travel abroad.

“The judiciary must be vigilant,” remarked a senior lawyer on a popular legal blog. “Bail is a privilege, not a right, and the court must be absolutely certain that the accused is not a flight risk or a danger to society.”

Meanwhile, the director of “Swarna Gath,” K. S. Nair, released a statement that emphasized his confidence in Siddique’s professionalism: “Siddique has always been an asset to our team. We trust that the legal process will proceed smoothly and that he will bring the same passion to his role as he has shown throughout his career.”

The Verdict’s Implications for Indian Cinema

Siddique’s bail is not just a win for a single actor; it sets a precedent for how the Indian judiciary can accommodate creative professionals facing legal challenges. A similar case involving Bollywood star Anil Kapoor, who was granted bail to shoot in Australia, has drawn comparisons. Legal experts note that courts often weigh the cultural and economic value of a project when making bail decisions, provided the defendant is not a threat to public safety.

In the months to come, Siddique’s travels to Dubai will be monitored closely by both the law enforcement agencies and the film crew. The court’s decision, while allowing the actor to continue his career, does not absolve him of the allegations. If found guilty, the legal consequences—up to five years of imprisonment—will still loom.

As “Swarna Gath” prepares for its international shoot, the Indian film industry watches closely, hoping that the case will reinforce the principle that justice can coexist with the creative spirit. The outcome of Siddique’s trial, slated for early 2024, will ultimately determine whether his legal troubles will derail his career or serve as a cautionary tale for the next generation of artists.