Mother of slain SFI leader Abhimanyu moves Kerala High Court over delay in trial

The mother of late Student's Federation of India (SFI) leader Abhimanyu has moved the Kerala high Court over the delay in the trial of killing of her son in campus violence [Bhoopathi v State of Kerala]..Justice Kauser Edappagath on Friday sought a report in this regard from the Principal Sessions Court, Ernakulam, where the case is currently pending..Abhimanyu was 21 years old when he was brutally killed during a political clash at Maharajas College in 2018.However, even though six years have passed, the trial in the case remains at the preliminary hearing stage with no charges having been framed against the 15 accused.This prompted his mother to move the High Court with the present petition seeking its urgent intervention to expedite the trial. .According to the prosecution, the accused, who were associated with the religiously motivated student organisation 'Campus Front', attacked Abhimanyu and four other SFI activists following a dispute over campus poster placements.The incident which occurred on July 2, 2018, resulted in the fatal stabbing of Abhimanyu while grievously injuring others.A first information report (FIR) was registered by the Ernakulam Central Police Station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including Section 143 (unlawful assembly), Section 147 (rioting), Section 302 (murder), and Section 120(B) (criminal conspiracy), among others.The charge sheet was filed on September 24, 2018, before the Judicial Magistrate of First Class-II, Ernakulam, and the case was subsequently committed to the Principal Sessions Court.According to Abhimanyu's mother's plea, however, the matter has been repeatedly adjourned from July 2023 to November 2023 due to non-appearance of the accused.The plea contended that this has caused significant delays, violating the principles of criminal justice and has potentially benefitted the politically influential accused who have been out on bail."The accused are highly influential persons having strong political backgrounds. All of the accused persons were enlarged on bail without undergoing judicial custody for a significant time period. The staggering delay caused in the commencement of the trial in SC No. 1068/2018 pending before the Principal Sessions Judge, Ernakulam is giving an undue advantage to the accused persons who remain free from the clutches of the prison," the plea stated.Therefore, the petition has sought orders from the High Court to expedite the trial and ensure its early completion..Abhimanyu's mother was represented by advocates Devika KR and KS Arun Kumar.