Kerala Court Expresses Strong Displeasure Over Delayed Chargesheet in CM Flight Attack Case
The Thiruvananthapuram district principal sessions court delivered a sharp rebuke to the prosecution on Tuesday for its failure to file a chargesheet even three years after the alleged attempt to murder Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during an Indigo flight incident. The court's strong observations came while considering a petition filed by the first accused, Farsin Majeed, who sought permission to renew his passport.
Unsatisfactory Explanation for Three-Year Delay
The court specifically noted that the prosecution's explanation for the delay—attributing it to pending central government approval—was completely unsatisfactory. This critical remark highlights the judicial system's growing impatience with procedural delays in high-profile cases involving public figures.
Background of the Controversial Flight Incident
The case originates from a protest staged by Youth Congress workers against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a flight from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram on June 13, 2022. According to police reports, the workers allegedly attempted to assault the chief minister inside the aircraft, leading to serious charges being filed against four individuals.
The accused include Youth Congress former state vice-president and former MLA K S Shabarinathan, along with Farsin Majeed, Naveen Kumar, and Sunit. Police have invoked multiple serious charges in connection with the incident, including:
- Attempt to murder
- Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
- Criminal conspiracy
- Criminal intimidation
Procedural Hurdles and Cross-Complaints
The prosecution revealed that the chargesheet was forwarded to the central government for necessary approval in April 2024, as mandated under civil aviation laws. However, clearance has not been granted yet, creating a significant procedural bottleneck in the legal proceedings.
In a related development, complaints filed by accused individuals Majeed and Naveen Kumar resulted in the registration of a separate case against CPM leader E P Jayarajan. Additionally, based on orders issued by the Thiruvananthapuram judicial first class magistrate court, cases were registered against the chief minister's gunman Anilkumar and personal assistant Suneesh, adding further complexity to the legal landscape surrounding this politically sensitive incident.
The court's strong criticism underscores the growing concern about delayed justice in cases involving political figures and highlights the need for more efficient legal processes in matters of public importance.
