Jani Master out on bail: Court imposes conditions following sexual assault arrest : Bollywood News

Choreographer Jani Master has been granted bail by the Telangana High Court following his arrest in a sexual assault case. The decision came on Thursday, October 24, amidst ongoing legal proceedings related to allegations made against him.

Jani Master out on bail: Court imposes conditions following sexual assault arrest

Background of the Case

For the unversed, Jani Master was arrested by the Hyderabad police on September 19. The arrest stemmed from a complaint filed by a former employee in Goa, who accused him of sexual harassment and assault over six years while she was employed under him. The allegations prompted the police to register a 'zero FIR,' which was later transferred to the Narsingi police station due to jurisdictional issues. Jani Master has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which underscores the seriousness of the accusations.

Legal Arguments and Court Ruling

During the court proceedings, Jani’s senior counsel, C Pratap Reddy, presented arguments suggesting that there were conflicting opinions regarding the victim's age. He further claimed that testimonies from neighbours indicated a "consensual connection" between Jani and the complainant, asserting that the POCSO case was unwarranted and motivated by ulterior motives. In contrast, public prosecutor Palle Nageshwar Rao opposed the bail application, stating that the determination of the victim's age would unfold throughout the investigation.

Justice Juvvadi Sridevi ultimately granted bail to Jani Master with specific conditions. The court mandated that he cooperate with ongoing investigations, attend all court hearings, refrain from contacting the victim, and avoid discussing the case publicly with the media.

Impact on Jani Master’s Career

Before his arrest, Jani had received interim bail for four days to attend a ceremony for the National Award for which he had been nominated. However, his nomination was later annulled. Despite the legal challenges, Jani Master recently worked on the song ‘Sooseki’ for Allu Arjun's film Pushpa 2: The Rule. Nonetheless, during a press conference in Hyderabad on Thursday, the film's producer, Naveen, announced that they have opted for another choreographer for the song, distancing the project from Jani amid the ongoing controversy. Pushpa 2: The Rule is set to be released in theaters on December 5.

Also Read: Jani Master’s National Award for Thiruchitrambalam suspended after POCSO charges