On Friday, the Kerala High Court had dismissed the plea put forward by the victim of the actress assault case and the state to change the trial court, citing “bias” and “hostility”. The HC removed the stay on the trial court and ordered that the proceedings resume from Monday. However, another twist in the case has presented itself. Special Prosecutor A Suresan, attached to the case, has sent his resignation letter to the State Home Secretary.
In her plea, the actress claimed that the court had behaved in a partisan manner. The HC dismissed the plea and stated that unless the trial court, the prosecutor work, and the defence in sync, the justice system cannot work properly. Clarifying that they cannot continue with the current judge at the trial court, the state government had asked to extend the stay on the proceedings for one more week to get enough time to file an appeal. However, the High Court bench did not grant it.
Suresan’s resignation means the trial will be delayed further until a new prosecutor is appointed. Moreover, a new prosecutor might need time to study the case and that could cause further delay or a restart, especially when the HC had asked the trial court to complete proceedings as soon as possible. The case pertains to the abduction and sexual assault of an actress in a moving vehicle by a group of men. Popular actor Dileep is one among the accused in the case.
