Kerala Government to Appeal Actress Assault Case Verdict: P. Rajeev

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Law Minister P. Rajeev on Tuesday said the state government will file an appeal against the trial court verdict in the actress assault case. He said the matter had been discussed with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and a decision had been taken to proceed with the appeal.

“The verdict will be examined in detail to identify any legal lapses. While the conspiracy charge could not be proved, the government stands firmly with the survivor and will ensure that she gets justice,” the minister told reporters.

Rajeev said a strong police investigation had been carried out in the case and that the prosecution had discharged its duties effectively. He said the state had taken all possible legal steps to strengthen the prosecution case.

He recalled that the government had earlier approached the High Court seeking the recall of key witnesses and to resolve issues related to digital evidence, and that the court had ruled in favour of the prosecution. He also said the state had engaged senior lawyers to oppose bail pleas filed by the accused.

During the proceedings, Directors General of Police under two successive governments appeared before the court, and senior advocates were appointed to represent the state before the Supreme Court.

Rajeev pointed out that while the rape charge was established, the verdict on the conspiracy charge did not meet expectations. A detailed 1,512-page report along with supporting evidence had been submitted before the court in multiple phases, but the final verdict did not fully reflect this, he said.

In view of these factors, the minister said the government will now move the higher courts challenging the verdict.