The Kerala High Court has recently granted an extension of four months to the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court to conclude the trial proceedings in the high-profile murder case of Abhimanyu, a Students’ Federation of India (SFI) leader. This decision was made in response to delays in the trial’s commencement, despite earlier directives from the court.
Background of the Case
Abhimanyu, a 21-year-old student, was tragically murdered on July 1, 2018, during a violent political clash at Maharajas College in Ernakulam. The conflict, which allegedly involved members of the Campus Front, a religiously-motivated student organization, erupted over disputes regarding campus poster placements. The incident resulted in Abhimanyu’s death and left four other SFI activists injured.
Legal Proceedings and Delays
Following the incident, the Ernakulam Central Police Station registered a First Information Report (FIR) under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 143 for unlawful assembly, Section 147 for rioting, Section 302 for murder, and Section 120(B) for criminal conspiracy. A charge sheet was subsequently filed in September 2018, and the case was committed to the Principal Sessions Court at Ernakulam.
However, the trial has faced significant delays, remaining unresolved for over seven years. Abhimanyu’s mother, represented by advocates Devika KR and KS Arun Kumar, filed a petition in 2024 seeking to expedite the trial proceedings. In response, the High Court had previously directed the sessions judge to complete the trial by January 24, 2025. Yet, the trial did not commence within this timeframe, prompting the sessions judge to request an extension.
High Court’s Ruling
On Tuesday, Justice Kauser Edappagath addressed the issue, granting the requested four-month extension to conclude the trial. Justice Edappagath emphasized that this extension is final, and no further delays will be tolerated. This decision aims to ensure that justice is served promptly in this crucial case.
The case continues to be closely watched, with the legal community and the public eagerly awaiting its resolution. A copy of the court order detailing the extension is anticipated soon.
