The Kerala High Court on Wednesday issued an interim order staying the trial proceedings in the Mattannur Shuhaib murder case before the additional sessions court in Thalassery, Kannur. Justice G Gireesh passed the order on a petition filed by Akash alias Akash Thillankeri and two other accused, seeking transfer of the trial from the additional sessions court to another court.
Background of the Case
SP Shuhaib, a Youth Congress worker, was hacked to death on February 12, 2018, allegedly by a group of CPM workers while he was having tea with his friends at a shop in Therur near Edayannur. The case has been under trial before the additional sessions court-III in Thalassery.
Petitioners' Contentions
The petitioners argued that the chief examination of witnesses by the trial court was not conducted in accordance with Section 280 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). This section requires the judge to record material remarks regarding the demeanour of witnesses while they are testifying. The petition also stated that despite the petitioners seeking an adjournment on the ground that a transfer petition was pending before the High Court, the trial court proceeded with the proceedings.
Trial Court's Actions
The sessions court subsequently cancelled the bail granted to the petitioners and remanded them to judicial custody, observing that their conduct was deliberate, obstructive, and intended to protract and derail the trial. However, the High Court later stayed the order cancelling their bail and directed the trial court to issue orders for their release.
High Court's Order
The bench sought instructions from the state government and adjourned the matter for further consideration on June 15. Until then, the trial proceedings before the additional sessions court in Thalassery stand stayed.
