The Kerala High Court recently passed a stay order on the trial proceedings against Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan in a case of outraging the modesty of a woman.
A single Justice K Babu granted the stay based on the representation that the matter has been amicably resolved between the parties.
Mukundan is currently facing trial for alleged offenses under Sections 354 and 354B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) before a Judicial First-Class Magistrate Court. The complaint against Mukundan accuses him of forcefully attempting to kiss and rape an Austrian woman of Indian origin when she met him to discuss a story for a potential movie.
During the proceedings, the trial court determined that the available evidence supported the existence of all elements constituting the alleged offenses. As a result, Mukundan’s application for discharge was dismissed, and charges were framed against him.
Following this, Mukundan approached the Sessions Court with a revision petition challenging the trial court’s decision. However, the Sessions Court rejected the petition and upheld the trial court’s findings.
Initially, the High Court granted a stay on the trial proceedings upon being informed about a settlement through an affidavit submitted by Mukundan’s advocate, Saiby Jose Kidangoor, who himself is involved in a bribery scandal. However, on February 9, the High Court lifted the stay after considering the woman’s submission that Mukundan had been using delaying tactics to coerce her into withdrawing the case.
On May 23, the High Court declined to quash the criminal proceedings against Mukundan and directed the trial court to continue with the trial and conclude it within three months.
In the latest plea, Mukundan presented an affidavit dated May 27, in which the complainant woman stated that she has no complaint against him and that their dispute was of a personal nature and has been settled. Consequently, the High Court stayed the trial proceedings against Mukundan.
