Kerala High Court Criticizes Government Over Delay in Media Trial Investigation of Actor Dileep

Kochi, July 30: The Kerala High Court has sharply criticized the state government for its failure to expedite the investigation into the media trial involving actor Dileep Kumar, also known as Pulsar Suni, in connection with the infamous actress assault case from 2017.

Justice Jobin Sebastian expressed strong displeasure, stating that despite repeated opportunities, the court’s directives had not been implemented. He warned that the matter would be taken very seriously.

When the public prosecutor requested more time to consult with the investigative agency, the judge questioned, “Why are you not complying with this court’s orders? This matter will be treated with utmost seriousness. This is unacceptable.”

The court was hearing Dileep’s petition, in which he sought a swift investigation based on his complaint that details of the trial in the assault case had been leaked unlawfully and widely publicized, leading to a continuous media trial.

On February 20, the High Court had instructed the state to complete the investigation within two months.

As the deadline passed without completion, the court had verbally warned last month that contempt proceedings could be initiated against non-compliant officials.

Despite this warning, the investigation remains incomplete, prompting the bench to make strong remarks on Thursday. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for August 5.

Dileep, who was presented as the eighth accused and was alleged to be the mastermind behind the attack on a female actor in 2017, was acquitted by the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court last year.

The state government has challenged the acquittal before a division bench of the High Court, which is also hearing appeals from convicted defendants contesting their sentences.

The division bench has already requested records from the trial court as it reviews the second appeals. Earlier this month, it rejected a plea to suspend the sentences of the main accused, Pulsar Suni, and co-accused Vadivel Salim and Pradeep.

Thursday’s proceedings specifically addressed Dileep’s complaint regarding the alleged leaks of confidential trial proceedings and subsequent media coverage.

The High Court’s new warning reflects growing judicial impatience over the state’s failure to complete the investigation within the court’s oversight.