2017 Actress Sexual Assault Case: SC Extends Trial Timeframe

The Supreme Court on Friday extended the timeframe for the completion of the trial in the Kerala actor abduction and sexual assault case.

The case revolves around the abduction and sexual assault of a female actor on the outskirts of Kochi in February 2017. The accused actor, Dileep is alleged to have orchestrated the crime and is facing trial for criminal conspiracy. Notably, the trial court recently authorized further investigation into the case based on fresh allegations raised by film director Balachandra Kumar in December 2021.

A division bench, comprising Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Bela M. Trivedi, approved the extension for completion of trial while directing that the proceedings be completed as expeditiously as possible.

The bench issued this directive after considering an application for an extension of time filed by the trial judge, who sought until March 31, 2024.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Malayalam actor highlighted delays in witness examination and raised concerns about accusations against the trial judge.

The Supreme Court has been closely monitoring the trial’s progress and has regularly received status reports from the trial judge.

Earlier, on May 8, 2023, the Apex Court had acknowledged a report submitted by the Trial Judge and instructed that the trial should conclude by July 31, 2023.