Kerala HC rejects Pulsar Suni plea to recall witness in 2017 actress assault case
Kochi (PTI): The Kerala High Court has rejected a plea by the prime accused in the 2017 actress assault case seeking recall of two witnesses examined during the trial, saying that it was "frivolous" application aimed at "delaying" the disposal of the matter.
Justice C Jayachandran further said that evidence sought to be adduced by recalling the two witnesses was "not essential for a just decision of the case" and dismissed the plea moved by prime accused Sunil N S also known as Pulsar Suni.
"... the trial commenced on January 30, 2020. The time limit fixed for disposal of this case by the Supreme Court was extended on several occasions. The present application appears to be a frivolous one, filed with an eye fixed on delaying the disposal of the case.
"That apart, a person (Suni), who had enough opportunity to do a thing, which he did not avail, cannot turn round later and complain of want of opportunity," the High Court said.
Suni moved the High Court after his plea to recall the two witnesses -- both experts in the field of forensic science -- was rejected by the Sessions Court.
One of the two witnesses was the doctor who collected the samples for forensic examination and the other was the Assistant Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory.
The reason given for seeking recall of the witnesses was that Suni was in judicial custody during the course of trial and he was released only on September 20, 2024 and therefore, his lawyer could not take proper instructions for cross-examining them.
Rejecting the contention, the High Court said that the accused attended the trial throughout without any failure for the past two years and therefore, the present claim that his lawyer could not cross-examine the two witnesses for want of instructions "was completely bereft of any bonafides".
The actress-victim, who has worked in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films, was abducted and allegedly molested in her car for two hours by some persons who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017 and later escaped in a busy area.
The entire act was filmed by those persons to blackmail the actress.
There are 10 accused in the 2017 case, including actor Dileep, and police have arrested seven. Dileep was arrested subsequently and released on bail.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
