In a significant development in the long-running Kerala actress assault case, a court has ordered the release of actor Dileep's passport. This decision comes after Dileep was acquitted of all charges in the high-profile sexual assault case that has gripped the state for years.
Court's Decision on Passport Release
The court granted the actor's petition for the return of his travel document. However, this move was not without opposition. When Dileep filed the petition on December 13, 2025, the Special Public Prosecutor strongly objected to the plea. The prosecution's objection was rooted in their stated intention to challenge the acquittal itself.
The prosecutor informed the court that the state plans to file an appeal against the verdict that cleared Dileep. This looming appeal was the core reason behind their argument to retain control over the actor's passport, potentially to ensure his availability for future legal proceedings.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Despite the prosecution's objections, the court proceeded to release the passport to the accused. This legal step often signifies a recognition of the individual's current status as acquitted, restoring certain freedoms while the higher judicial process is pending.
The case, which involves the alleged abduction and assault of a prominent Malayalam actress in 2017, has seen numerous twists and turns. Dileep, a major figure in the South Indian film industry, was named as a conspirator. His acquittal earlier was a major verdict, but the legal battle is clearly not over. The prosecution's firm stance on appealing indicates that the controversy is set to continue in a higher court.
Implications and Public Reaction
The court's decision to release the passport will allow Dileep to travel internationally, a right that was restricted during the trial. For the public and media following the case, this administrative order underscores the transitional phase between the trial court's verdict and the potential appellate review.
All eyes are now on the prosecution's next move. The filing of the appeal will formally reopen the legal debate on the actor's culpability. The case remains one of the most sensational and closely watched in Kerala's recent history, touching upon issues of crime, celebrity, and justice.
As of the latest update on December 18, 2025, the passport has been released, but the final chapter of this complex legal saga is yet to be written, pending the prosecution's appeal.
