Sharon Murder Case: Kerala High Court Says Question Of Territorial Jurisdiction Can Be Decided During Trial

The Kerala High Court today left the issue of territorial jurisdiction in Sharon murder case to be determined during trial. This was after both defence and prosecution made a statement to that effect.

“Now both sides submitted that the question may be left open and that may be decided during the trial…granting liberty to the petitioner to raise the question of jurisdiction during the trial,” ordered Justice PV Kunhikrishnan.

The issue was raised by prime accused Greeshma, claiming that courts in Kerala lack the jurisdiction to try the case as the alleged offence took place beyond their territorial limits, in Tamil Nadu.

Sharon Raj was allegedly poisoned by Greeshma to weasel out of their romantic relationship. She had first moved an application before the Magistrate Court at Neyyatinkara, stating that the alleged offence of administering poison took place at her house in Nagarcoil district of Tamil Nadu and hence, Courts there would have the jurisdiction to try the matter. Since the Magistrate dismissed her plea, she moved the Sessions Court. Facing another dismissal, she had approached the High Court.

Today, Counsel for both the sides informed the Court that the question of jurisdiction can be considered during the trial. The matter is now pending before Additional Sessions Judge, Neyyatinkara.