Telangana High Court grants bail to choreographer Jani Master in POCSO case

In a significant legal development, the Telangana High Court has granted bail to renowned Tollywood choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master, who has been incarcerated in connection with a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case. The decision was made by Justice Juvvadi Sridevi on Thursday.

Also read: Telugu choreographer Jani Master arrested on sexual harassment charges

The case was initiated by an assistant choreographer and a junior member of Jani Master’s team, who accused him of repeatedly raping her while asserting that she is a minor. In his defense, senior counsel C. Pratap Reddy argued that there are conflicting reports regarding the complainant's age, with some profiles suggesting she is of legal age. He emphasized that she had been working with him for over four years and that witness statements indicated a consensual relationship, rather than one involving coercion.

Reddy further claimed that the complaint's timing was suspicious, coinciding with Jani Master being awarded the National Award for Best Choreographer. Public prosecutor Palle Nageshwar Rao countered, asserting that the determination of the complainant's age should occur post-investigation and that the case does not warrant bail at this stage.

Ultimately, the court granted conditional bail, instructing Jani Master and his family members to refrain from interfering in the complainant's life during the ongoing proceedings.