Allu Arjun Arrest: 4 Weeks of Interim Bail Granted by Telangana High Court

The Telangana High Court granted interim bail for a duration of four weeks to actor Allu Arjun on Friday, December 13. This decision was made in response to his request for the quashing of an FIR related to a stampede that occurred outside a cinema hall in Hyderabad during an unplanned visit by the actor last week, which resulted in the death of one woman.

After approximately two hours of deliberation, Justice Juvvadi Sridevi, while issuing the order, stated, "I am inclined to grant interim bail for a limited period, referencing the Arnab Goswami case. Bonds are to be submitted to the Jail superintendent due to the arrest being made."

During the hearing, the bench indicated its willingness to grant interim bail, stating, "It is truly troubling to me. Is it acceptable to detain him simply because he is an actor? There are no substantial grounds... He possesses the right to life and liberty on this earth, which cannot be revoked merely due to his profession as an actor."

Earlier that day, the actor's counsel submitted a lunch motion to Justice Sridevi, which was approved. Initially, the public prosecutor representing the state in the high court asserted that the actor was not entitled to any relief. He noted that seven individuals had already been arrested and subsequently requested additional time to prepare a response.

At 4 PM, the matter was addressed, with senior counsel S. Niranjan Reddy representing the actor, who presented arguments before Justice Sridevi. He contended that establishing a case for culpable homicide necessitates proof of intent. Concurrently, while the high court hearing was in progress, the actor was brought before a magistrate court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody for a period of 14 days.

Reddy stated, "Upon reviewing the FIR, it does indicate that Allu Arjun was aware that a death might occur. However, the directives issued by the SHO do not suggest that there was a likelihood of death happening. The most severe charge that could be applicable here is 'death by negligence.' The bench should consider whether there was 'someone engaging in a rash or negligent act' in this situation."