SFI leader Abhimanyu murder: Kerala High Court grants sessions court four more months to conclude trial

The Kerala High Court on Monday granted Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court an extension of four months to conclude the trial in the 2018 murder case of Students' Federation of India (SFI) leader Abhimanyu [Bhoopathi v State of Kerala].

Abhimanyu's mother had moved before the Court in 2024 over the delay in the commencement of the trial proceedings in relation to the killing of her son in campus violence. The Court had on January 24, 2025, directed the sessions judge to complete the trial within nine months.

However, the trial proceedings did not commence within the stipulated period. Thereafter, the sessions judge moved the High Court seeking an extension of the deadline. The victim's mother too approached the Court seeking directions for expeditious disposal of the case.

In an order passed on August 3, Justice Kauser Edappagath clarified that the sessions judge allowed an extension of four months. He made it clear that no further extension would be granted.

"The learned Judge is directed to positively frame charge on 06.08.2026 and schedule the case for trial immediately. The case shall be disposed of within a period of four months from the date of framing of charge," the order stated.

Abhimanyu, a 21-year-old student, was fatally stabbed during a political clash at Maharajas College in Ernakulam on July 1, 2018.

The accused, allegedly associated with a religiously-motivated student organisation 'Campus Front', had attacked Abhimanyu and four other SFI activists following a dispute over campus poster placements. The attack resulted in Abhimanyu's death while others sustained grievous injuries.

Following the incident, Ernakulam Central Police Station registered a first information report (FIR) under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code including Section 143 (unlawful assembly), Section 147 (rioting), Section 302 (murder), and Section 120(B) (criminal conspiracy), among others. 

It filed a charge sheet in September 2018. The case was later committed to the Principal Sessions Court at Ernakulam where it has remained pending for more than seven years.

Abhimanyu's mother was represented by advocates Devika KR and KS Arun Kumar.

[Read Order]