The Kerala High Court has observed that maligning a woman's character without any substance is a 'pernicious form of social violence'. The court made this observation while quashing an FIR registered against Malayalam film actor Shwetha Menon for allegedly publishing or transmitting obscene scenes of some of her past movies and advertisements.
The High Court said that it finds force in the actor's claim that the complaint was filed with the sole intention of stalling her from contesting for the post of President in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists.
The court also held that on an analysis of the complaint, FIR, materials on the records and the relevant laws, the offences alleged against her were not made out and the allegations were made with the ulterior motive of tarnishing Menon's name and reputation.
The court further said that progressive societies evaluate people on the basis of their actions and contributions, while regressive ones resort to slander, character assassination and moral policing.
The High Court had stayed proceedings in connection with the FIR, saying there was prima facie substance in the actor's contention that before referring the complaint for investigation, the requirements of calling for a report from the police and of making an enquiry ought to have been complied with.
