Actress sexual attack case: SC stays trial against Malayalam actor Dileep

Kochi, May 3: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the trial in an alleged sexual assault case against Malayalam actor Dileep.

A bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar stayed the trial until the conclusion of the proceedings in the Supreme Court.

The bench also comprising of Justice Ajay Rastogi slated the matter for hearing in the third week of July.

The Supreme Court was hearing a plea of Malayalam actor Dileep seeking a copy of the digital evidence of the alleged assault of a noted south Indian actress, in which he was a key accused.

In the last hearing on April 3, the top court had adjourned the matter after the other party sought an adjournment.

The actress, who has also worked in Tamil and Telugu films besides Malayalam, was allegedly abducted and molested by a group of men in her car in February 2017, in a conspiracy, which the actress says was hatched by Dileep.

In March 2018, Dileep filed a review petition in the Kerala High Court seeking a copy of the memory card containing visuals of the purported crime.

The High Court dismissed the petition on the grounds that the video of the actress's assault is "too sensitive" to be let out.

After that, Dileep moved the Supreme Court challenging the order of the Kerala High Court. The apex court had earlier said it will see if the memory card, which is part of a police report under Evidence Act, is a "material or document".

The Bench had said it will also see the provisions under the Information and Technology (IT) Act.

The top court also agreed with the order of the Kerala High Court that the video of assault cannot be handed over to the accused.

The apex court had asked Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing on behalf of Dileep, whether the memory card of a mobile is a "document" under section 207 of CrPC and can be supplied to the actor.

During the last hearing, Mukul Rohatgi had stated that Dileep has no connection with the crime, pressing that the actor was not named in the original charge sheet, but was later framed by the actress. He had also that his client has a right to receive evidence relating to the case.

He claimed that the visuals of the video have been "doctored" to deliberately trap Dileep, while also contending that he needs the memory card to prove his innocence as he has right to a fair trial.

The actor has claimed that he was framed in the case due to personal enmity with the actress.Dileep was arrested on July 10 in 2017 and was granted bail on October 3 the same year.