Prominent Malayalam actor Shwetha Menon finds herself at the center of a legal storm as Ernakulam Central Police have filed a case against her for allegedly featuring in obscene and vulgar films and advertisements. The case, registered under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and the Information Technology Act, coincides with her candidacy for the presidency of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), raising questions about its timing and implications for her campaign.
Allegations and Legal Action Amid AMMA Election
The case stems from a complaint by social worker Martin Menachery, who alleged that Menon’s content, shared on social media and adult websites, was intended to gain popularity and financial profit.
The Ernakulam Central Police acted on court orders, registering the case under Section 5 and 3 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956 and Section 67(A) of the Information Technology Act 2000.
Authorities noted that the investigation is in its early stages, with police set to examine whether the allegations hold merit. The timing of the complaint, filed on July 31—the last day for withdrawing nominations for the AMMA election scheduled for August 15—has sparked speculation.
Menon, a strong contender for AMMA’s presidency, highlighted this in her petition to the Kerala High Court, stating, “The last day for withdrawal of the nomination was July 31.
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It is on the said date that an Annexure-1 complaint was submitted. It is apposite in this context to point out that, in connection with the election to the association, a faction feud was going on, and common consensus leaned towards a woman president, making her a strong contender for the post.”
Shwetha Menon Defends Her Work and Seeks Case Dismissal
In response, Menon has approached the Kerala High Court to quash the case, arguing that the films in question were duly censored and certified, having been in the public domain for years.
A two-time Kerala State Film Award winner for Best Actress and former Femina Miss India Asia Pacific 1994, Menon emphasized her professional integrity and the potential historic significance of her candidacy, noting that her election would mark the first time a woman leads AMMA.
The association has been under scrutiny following the resignation of its committee, led by former president Mohanlal, after allegations surfaced against office bearers, including actors Siddique and Baburaj, in the wake of the Hema Committee report. Menon’s legal battle adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing turmoil within the Malayalam film industry.
