The Supreme Court has granted an extension of time for the completion of the trial in the high-profile Kerala actress abduction and sexual assault case. A division bench comprising Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Bela M. Trivedi has approved the request of the trial judge for an extended timeline, setting the new deadline for trial completion as March 31, 2024. The bench, while extending the time, emphasized the need for expeditious proceedings.
The trial has been closely monitored by the apex court, which has been receiving regular status reports from the trial judge. This recent decision comes after an earlier directive by the Supreme Court in May 2023, instructing the trial court to conclude the proceedings by July 31, 2023.
Notably, actor Dileep, the eighth accused in the case and alleged mastermind behind the criminal conspiracy, has been represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi. Rohatgi raised concerns about the delays in examining witnesses and the accusations levelled against the trial judge, highlighting the protracted nature of the trial. Dileep had previously expressed frustration over what he perceived as deliberate delays in the trial process.
The case stems from the abduction and sexual assault of a prominent Malayalam actress in February 2017 near Kochi. Actor Dileep is one of the main accused in the case, facing charges of criminal conspiracy and other offences. He spent a brief period in jail before being released on bail.
The actress abduction and sexual assault case has garnered widespread attention due to its sensational nature and the involvement of several high-profile individuals. The extended trial timeline reflects the complexity of the case, the challenges of gathering evidence, and the thoroughness required to ensure a fair and just trial process.
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