The Kerala High Court has rejected petitions seeking the suspension of 20-year prison terms awarded to two convicts in the 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case, citing the gravity of the crime and the need to maintain public faith in the judicial system.
A bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar dismissed separate applications filed by Saleem H and Pradeep, who were listed as the fifth and sixth accused in the trial. Both men had sought the suspension of their sentences and bail while their appeals against their conviction and sentencing remain pending.
Court Points To Evidentiary Support And Public Interest
In its order, the High Court noted that the applicants failed to demonstrate any manifest illegality, patent infirmity, or perversity in the judgment issued by the trial court. The bench observed that preliminary review of the record indicates sufficient evidence showing the six accused participated in a conspiracy that was executed with precision.
The court stated that the two applicants appear to have aided and assisted in committing the offense while sharing a common intention with the other conspirators. It held that granting relief was not justified at this interlocutory stage, as the findings of the Sessions Judge could not be characterized as unreasonable.
The bench further emphasized that larger considerations—including the societal impact of the crime, public interest, and the imperative to uphold public confidence in criminal justice administration—guided its decision to deny relief.
Background Of Convictions And Acquittals
The case originates from the February 17, 2017 abduction and sexual assault of a multi-lingual actress inside a moving vehicle while she was travelling from Thrissur to Kochi.
On December 12 last year, the Sessions Court convicted six individuals for gang rape and sentenced each to 20 years in prison. Those sentenced included prime accused Sunil N S, also known as Pulsar Suni, alongside Saleem and Pradeep. Four other accused, including actor Dileep, were acquitted by the trial court.
The decision regarding Saleem and Pradeep follows a prior order on July 9, in which the High Court similarly turned down a plea for sentence suspension filed by prime accused Sunil N S.
