Kochi: Advocate Mohammed Siyad, who was representing Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith in a sexual harassment case, has stepped down as legal counsel following a controversy over his earlier role as a member of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the film, on the set of which the alleged incident took place.

Siyad’s appearance for the director drew criticism after his ICC association came to light. Announcing his withdrawal, he said he did not want to “fuel the controversy” further.

Explaining his decision, Siyad maintained that there was no legal restriction preventing him from appearing for the accused, but said he chose to step aside to avoid unnecessary debate.

“As the legal advisor to numerous production houses, I have been a member of several Internal Complaints Committees, including the ICC for the film cited in this case. It is important to note that the complainant never raised any allegations of harassment during the shooting, nor did she ever approach the ICC. Since the film’s shooting has concluded, there is no legal or professional barrier to me serving as the counsel for the accused director. However, as I have no interest in entertaining the baseless controversy surrounding my role as his lawyer, I have decided to withdraw,” Siyad told Onmanorama.

Ranjith, who was arrested on March 31, remains in judicial custody till April 13 at the Ernakulam Sub Jail. With his bail plea pending, his family will now have to appoint new legal representation ahead of his production before a magistrate this Saturday.

Siyad said that he has informed Ranjith’s family of his decision and advised them to engage another lawyer for the bail proceedings. The revelation that Siyad was part of the film’s ICC sparked a row, as his transition from a role meant to address workplace harassment complaints to defending the accused, who allegedly committed the crime in the same workplace, drew sharp criticism. The ICC system itself has been under scrutiny following the revelations of the Hema Committee Report, adding to the sensitivity of the issue.