The Supreme Court's interim protection of Malayalam actor Sidhique in a rape case has provoked strong reactions from women leaders in Kerala. State Higher Education Minister R Bindhu emphasized that a delay in filing complaints should not hinder justice.

A two-judge Bench issued notice to the Kerala government and the victim in the case during the hearing of a plea by Siddique. The apex court also asked about the reason for the delay in registering the complaint against the actor.

Actor Siddique, who has been accused of raping an actress in 2016, had challenged a September 24 Kerala High Court order dismissing his bail plea.

The Supreme Court of India granted interim protection from arrest to Malayalam actor Siddique in a rape case. This decision came after Siddique's plea challenging a Kerala High Court order denying him anticipatory bail.

Siddique resigned from his post as general-secretary of Association of Malayalam Movie Artists following the allegations

The Kerala High Court had denied Siddique anticipatory bail saying that the available evidence suggested his involvement in the matter.