Supreme Court has granted an extension of time for the completion of the trial in the high-profile Kerala actor abduction and sexual assault case. The division bench of Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Bela M. Trivedi passed the order, directing that the proceedings be carried out as expeditiously as possible. The extension was allowed in response to an application filed by the trial judge, seeking additional time until March 31, 2024.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the accused Malayalam actor Dileep, brought to the Court's attention the delays in examining witnesses and raised concerns about accusations made against the trial judge. The Apex Court has been closely monitoring the trial's progress, receiving regular status reports from the trial judge to ensure a fair and timely trial.

The case, which shook the nation in February 2017, revolves around the kidnapping and sexual assault of a female actor on the outskirts of Kochi. Dileep is alleged to be the mastermind behind the heinous crime and is currently facing trial for criminal conspiracy. Recently, the trial court permitted further investigation in the case following fresh allegations raised by film director Balachandra Kumar in December 2021.

The actor's involvement in the case has been a subject of intense public interest since it came to light. In 2018, Dileep had filed a Special Leave Petition seeking a copy of the memory card, which allegedly contains crucial evidence related to the incident.

In a previous order on 08.05.2023, the Supreme Court took note of the report submitted by the Trial Judge and directed that the trial be completed by 31.07.2023. However, considering the complexity of the case and the need for a thorough investigation, the Court has now extended the trial's completion deadline to March 2024.

The Supreme Court's commitment to ensuring a fair and speedy trial in this sensitive case sends a strong message about the judiciary's resolve to deliver justice in a timely manner. The Court's vigilant monitoring will hopefully help expedite the proceedings and provide closure to the victim and her family.

Case Title: P. GOPALKRISHNAN @ DILEEP V. THE STATE OF KERALA, MA in Crl.A. No. 1794/2019