Bombay High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Sherlyn Chopra In Obscenity Case

Bombay High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Sherlyn Chopra In Obscenity Case

Chopra's told the Court that she did not grant consent to anyone to publish her image and obscene videos; the content in question was stolen

The Bombay High Court has granted anticipatory bail to actress Sherlyn Chopra after an FIR was lodged at the Cyber Cell of Mumbai Police under various sections of the Indecent Representation of Women Act and Information Technology Act. The Mumbai Session Court earlier had rejected the plea to which the actor had appealed.

After the FIR was lodged, the actress moved to the Bombay High Court, when no relief was granted to her in the Session Court. Bombay High Court granted the anticipatory bail in the case. Chopra was charged under various provisions, such as Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code stating the sale of obscene material. Moreover, she was also held under the provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Indecent Representation of Women Act.

The actor contended that she was the victim of piracy where she never consented to the videos being uploaded. The Court directed her to be present before the investigating officer on 15, 16, and 17 March, reporting at the police station and directing the police to report it. Getting the anticipatory bail means that if Chopra is arrested in the case, she will be released after furnishing the personal bond of ₹25,000 and a couple of securities.

The Complaint was lodged by Madhukar Keni, a retired Custom and Central Excise Officer. The FIR lodged at the cyber cell alleged that some websites were publishing obscene content on the internet. After verifying the complaint, the cyber cell concluded that various online platforms and OTT platforms were publishing obscene videos. The complainant alleges that if the actor's name is entered on Google, one can see all obscene videos. As proof, Keni downloaded all the videos and handed them over to the police as proof, post which a complaint was registered against Chopra.

Chopra's lawyer told the Court that she has not granted consent to anyone to publish her image and obscene videos. The content in question was stolen which also raises copyright issues. Chopra told that she is ready to cooperate with the police.