Actress Ansiba Hassan Approaches Kerala HC Seeking FIR Against Lakshmi Priya Over Allegedly Sexually Coloured Remarks

The Kerala High Court is hearing a petition filed by Malayalam actor Ansiba Hassan, who has challenged a Magistrate Court's decision refusing to direct the police to register a First Information Report (FIR) on her complaint against actor Lakshmi Priya and two representatives of an online media platform. Hassan argues that the allegations disclosed cognisable offences requiring a police investigation.

Background of the Case

According to the petition, the dispute arose after a teaser and later the full version of an interview featuring Lakshmi Priya was published by Can Channel Media. Hassan alleged that the interview contained sexually coloured remarks and statements intended to damage her reputation, dignity and privacy.

She claimed that despite approaching the Palarivattom Police Station and later the Ernakulam City Police Commissioner, no FIR was registered. She subsequently moved the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court seeking directions under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which empowers a Magistrate to order registration of an FIR where a cognisable offence is disclosed.

Magistrate's Order

On July 27, 2026, the Magistrate declined to exercise powers under Section 175(3) BNSS after considering a police report stating that no cognisable offence was made out. Instead, the court decided that the matter could proceed as a private complaint and directed Hassan to record her sworn statement.

High Court Proceedings

Before the High Court, Hassan has argued that the Magistrate's approach is contrary to the statutory framework and Supreme Court rulings requiring registration of an FIR when information discloses a cognisable offence.

She has also submitted that a police investigation is necessary to preserve electronic evidence, including digital records and social media content.

Referring to the trial court's order, the petition states,

"The Magistrate treated the matter as a private complaint instead of directing registration of an FIR under Section 175(3) of the BNSS."

Decision

The matter has now been placed before the Kerala High Court, where Hassan has sought the setting aside of the Magistrate's order and a direction to the jurisdictional police to register an FIR and conduct an investigation.

The petition remains pending before the High Court.