2017 Actress Assault: Kerala HC Rejects Plea For Fresh Probe Into Memory Card Case

Media's Freedom Of Speech Can't Trample Right To Privacy

The Kerala High Court dismissed a petition requesting a fresh investigation into the alleged illegal access of a memory card that holds crucial evidence in the high-profile actress assault case from 2017.

The survivor in this case had approached the court to set aside a fact-finding inquiry report submitted by the Ernakulam Sessions and District Judge on January 8, 2024, and to initiate a new investigation into the matter.

However, the court ruled that the plea was not maintainable.

While the court rejected the petition, it noted that the complainant could pursue appropriate legal avenues in accordance with the law.

In her petition, the survivor argued that a simple reading of the inquiry report concerning the illegal access to the devices reveals that the investigating authority “never conducted a fair, free and complete” investigation as mandated by the High Court.

She contended that the report should be quashed and called for a fresh probe to be conducted by a Special Investigation Team, supervised by the High Court, to uphold the rule of law, maintain the integrity of the legal system, and protect her right to privacy.

The actress-survivor, known for her work in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema, was abducted and allegedly molested in her car for two hours on the night of February 17, 2017.

During this horrific incident, assailants forcibly entered her vehicle and filmed the assault, which they later used as a means of blackmail.

This case has drawn significant public attention and scrutiny over the years, raising questions about the investigation process and the treatment of survivors in such cases.

The dismissal of the petition adds another layer to the ongoing legal battle, as the survivor continues to seek justice and accountability in a case that has already exposed serious flaws in the investigative procedures.

The court’s ruling underscores the complex dynamics surrounding legal proceedings in high-profile cases, particularly when they involve issues of privacy, fairness, and the need for thorough investigations.

As the survivor considers her next steps, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is served and that such incidents do not undermine the legal framework designed to protect individuals’ rights.