Kerala High Court Seeks Update On FIRs Registered Over Media Trial Allegations In Actress Assault Case; Adjourns Matter To Next Week
Pranav B Prem
The Kerala High Court on Friday (November 28) directed the State to take instructions regarding the progress of the five FIRs registered in 2022 pursuant to its order on Malayalam cine actor Dileep’s plea alleging that media organisations were violating the bar on publication, broadcast and telecast of trial proceedings in the actress assault case.
When the matter came up before Justice C. Pratheep Kumar, counsel appearing for Dileep submitted that although the FIRs were registered immediately after the High Court’s order dated January 18, 2022, the investigation had not progressed any further. It was pointed out that the original grievance which prompted the petition had been addressed, but the FIRs registered in compliance with the Court’s direction could not be allowed to remain without further action.
At that stage, the Court orally remarked that “the purpose of this petition is already over.” In response, counsel submitted that even if the petition has achieved its purpose, there must be a logical end to the proceedings, and the status of the FIRs needs to be clarified. Responding to this submission, the Public Prosecutor sought time to obtain instructions regarding the current stage of the five FIRs. The matter was accordingly adjourned to next week.
The FIRs were registered based on the High Court’s January 18, 2022 order in Dileep’s petition. In that order, the Court had noted the grievance that despite the in-camera nature of the trial and an earlier order of the Special Court prohibiting publication of trial proceedings, the media continued to publish materials relating to SC 118/2018. Taking note of the allegations, the Court directed the State Police Chief to conduct an enquiry into the alleged violation of the order issued under Section 327(3) CrPC and to file a report, making it clear that if the allegations were found true, appropriate action under law shall be initiated.
Meanwhile, the Principal District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam is set to pronounce its verdict in the actress assault case on December 8. Dileep is arrayed as the eighth accused in the case and is alleged to have conspired in the abduction and sexual assault of the actor-victim inside a moving vehicle in the outskirts of Kochi in February 2017.
Cause Title: P. Gopalakrishnan alias Dileep v. State of Kerala and Ors.
Case No: OP (Crl.) No. 23/2022
Coram: Justice C. Pratheep Kumar
