The Kerala High Court has refused to suspend the jail sentence of Sunil NS, commonly known as Pulsar Suni, in connection with the infamous 2017 actress sexual assault case. Suni had petitioned the court to pause his incarceration while his appeal against the conviction by the trial court is under review. The decision was rendered by a Division Bench composed of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar on July 9.
Court’s Rationale
The court determined that Suni’s request did not meet the threshold for suspending his sentence. “Considering the role attributed to the petitioner, the nature and gravity of the crime, his past criminal record involving 11 serious offenses, and his alleged involvement in another criminal activity while on bail, we find no exceptional circumstances meriting the suspension of his sentence,” stated the court. The bench further emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system and the societal impact of the offense.
At the post-conviction stage, the presumption of innocence is no longer applicable, the court noted. Thus, substantial reasons are required to justify any suspension of the punishment, which the court found lacking in this case. The court highlighted the severe nature of the crime, describing it as calculated and premeditated, involving sexual assault and blackmail, which demonstrated an extraordinary level of criminal depravity.
Public Interest and Legal Considerations
The court agreed with the prosecution’s argument that the crime had a profound impact on the collective conscience of society. “Its gravity transcends the individual victim, undermining public confidence in the rule of law,” the court held, dismissing the argument that Suni’s extended incarceration justified a suspension of his sentence.
Suni was one of six individuals found guilty by the Principal Sessions Court in Ernakulam of abducting and assaulting a well-known actress in a moving vehicle. The court pointed out that Suni was a principal figure in a conspiracy, allegedly orchestrated with actor Dileep, to humiliate and blackmail the actress. Although Dileep was acquitted of conspiracy charges, his acquittal has sparked public debate, prompting the state government to appeal the verdict.
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Appeals and Legal Representation
Suni has appealed for his acquittal, along with others convicted in the case, including Antony, Salim, and Pradeep. His plea for sentence suspension was opposed by the state and the survivor’s counsel, advocate Vrinda Grover. Senior Advocate Sasthamangalam S Ajithkumar and Advocate VV Pratheeksh Kurup represented Suni, while Public Prosecutor Sidharth A Menon and Special Public Prosecutor V Ajaykumar appeared for the state.
The Kerala High Court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the legal process and the significance of individual accountability in cases of grave criminal conduct.
