Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday granted anticipatory bail to Reporter TV's consulting editor Arun Kumar K and sub-editor Shabas Ahammed, who were booked in a Pocso case for allegedly sexually harassing a girl child through words and gestures.

Justice PV Kunhikrishnan observed that while the allegations did not constitute a criminal offence under the Pocso Act, reporters should have avoided inappropriate questions to the child. 

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On January 20, the Court had granted them interim anticipatory bail, LiveLaw reported.

The case pertains to the distasteful comments the duo made about a 12-year-old participant of State Youth Fest. In the programme, which was roundedly criticised for its content, the editors were shown conversing among themselves during the Kalolsavam about the 'bride' of an Oppana team. The video also included comments like “you look good” to the girl, accompanied by a romantic song.

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Arun and Shabad claimed that it was a tele-skit done with the permission of the child, her parents and her teacher.

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