Kerala Actor Sexual Assault Case : Supreme Court Extends Time To Complete Trial; Sets July 31 As New Deadline

The Supreme Court of India on Monday asked the Trial Court to complete trial in the Malayalam actor assault case within July 31.

A Bench of Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjay Kumar also asked the Trial Judge to submit a fresh report on the progress of the trial by August 4 in the 2017 case related to abduction and rape of a Kerala actor.

"We've taken note of the report sent by the Trial Judge. The time for completion of trial is further extended. But we expect the trial to be concluded in all respects, latest by July 31, 2023. List this matter on August 4 when the trial Court shall be expected to send a fresh progress report before the next date", the order recorded.

The Court was considering a plea moved by Malayalam actor Dileep who is accused of hatching the criminal conspiracy behind the attack against the actor, seeking the completion of trial pending before the Trial Court within prescribed time limit in the case.

During the hearing, the advocate appearing for the petitioner requested the Court to take up the matter in August considering the Trial Judge's report on the progress of the trial.

"We don't understand, this trial judge always seeks three months in his report", the bench commented.

Senior Advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the State, submitted that for 24 and half days, cross examination is going on as far one of the prosecution witlessness is concerned.

Advocate for petitioner told the Court the delay was due to technical glitches as it is happening online.

"Then the judge is right. He is also not a machine. We ask him to do it in three months, he also sends us a standard letter", the Bench observed before passing the order.

In February, the Supreme Court had asked the Kerala State government (prosecution) why the trial before the Ernakulam court in Kerala actor sexual assault case was being protracted.

A few months ago, the Supreme Court had refused to pass any order to interfere with the examination of witnesses in the ongoing trial before the Court at Ernakulam.

Case Title: P Gopalkrishnan @Dileep v State of Kerala | M.A in Criminal Appeal No. 1794/2019

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