The Kerala High Court has taken up the appeals filed by two convicts in the high-profile 2017 actor assault case, marking a new chapter in the long-running legal saga. The court has admitted the petitions from Salim, also known as Vadival Salim, and Pradeep, who are challenging their conviction and 20-year prison sentences.
Court Proceedings and New Hearing Date
A bench led by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas has scheduled the appeals for a detailed hearing on February 4. This decision came after the state's public prosecutor requested additional time to prepare and file their objections to the appeals. The court granted this request, setting the stage for the next round of legal arguments next month.
Background of the Case and Appeals
The case dates back to February 17, 2017, when a prominent actress from the Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu film industries was allegedly sexually assaulted by a group of men. The incident occurred while she was traveling by car from Thrissur to Kochi for a film shoot. The first accused in the case is Pulsar Suni.
After an extensive trial lasting seven years, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court delivered its verdict. The court convicted six individuals, including Salim and Pradeep, sentencing each to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment along with monetary fines. However, the trial court acquitted four other accused, a list that notably includes the actor Dileep.
Grounds of Appeal and State's Counter Move
In their appeals to the High Court, Salim and Pradeep have contended that they were not present in the vehicle at the time the crime was committed and did not participate in the assault. They are seeking to overturn the trial court's judgment based on these claims.
In a significant parallel development, the state government informed the High Court during Friday's hearing that it plans to file its own appeal. The prosecution intends to challenge the trial court's decision to acquit four of the ten original accused, including Dileep. This indicates that the legal battle is set to continue from both sides, with the convicts seeking freedom and the state seeking a broader conviction.
The upcoming hearings in February are poised to be crucial, potentially reshaping the final outcome of a case that has captured national attention for years. The Kerala High Court's decisions will determine whether the convictions stand or if a retrial is warranted for the acquitted individuals.
