Kerala High Court grants pre-arrest bail to YouTuber Thoppi in livestream case

The Kerala High Court has granted pre-arrest bail to YouTuber Muhammed Nihad, known online as Thoppi, who was booked in connection with a livestream on the YouTube channel "Mrz Shameer" that allegedly carried offensive content about the complainant.

Justice A. Badharudeen, after viewing the video, found nothing to indicate that Nihad had directly uttered obscene words or made sexually coloured remarks against the victim. The court further held that custodial interrogation of the accused was not necessary given the nature of the allegations.

The prosecution had told the District and Sessions Court, Manjeri, that the accused conducted the livestream for four hours and deliberately showed photographs and videos of the complainant without her consent. It was also alleged that he made obscene, sexually coloured and defamatory remarks, intruded on her privacy and insulted her modesty.

The relief comes with conditions. Nihad must execute a bond for ₹1 lakh with two solvent sureties, cooperate fully with the investigation, appear before the investigating officer every week, and refrain from leaving the State without the permission of the trial court.