Kochi, 14 July (H.S.):The Kerala High Court on Tuesday dismissed the plea filed by Pulsar Suni, the prime accused in the sensational actress assault case, seeking suspension of his sentence pending the hearing of his appeal. With the petition rejected, Suni will remain in prison while his appeal against conviction continues before the High Court.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar held that the convict had failed to establish any exceptional or compelling circumstances warranting suspension of the sentence imposed by the trial court. The Bench observed that there were no adequate legal grounds to justify granting such relief at this stage.

The court also underlined the need to uphold the dignity and rights of the survivor while considering requests of this nature. It noted that the interests of the victim cannot be overlooked in cases involving serious offences against women.

Rejecting the plea, the Bench found no apparent illegality, perversity or glaring infirmity in the judgment delivered by the sessions court that would justify staying the execution of the sentence. The judges observed that the findings recorded by the trial court could not be described as so unreasonable or unreliable as to warrant suspension of the conviction or sentence during the pendency of the appeal.

Pulsar Suni, the first accused in the case, had sought suspension of his sentence and release on bail after filing an appeal challenging his conviction. He was found guilty by the trial court in connection with the abduction and sexual assault of a Malayalam actress and the recording of objectionable visuals during the attack.

The State government as well as the survivor strongly opposed the plea before the High Court, arguing that there were no legal or factual grounds to suspend the sentence. Accepting those submissions, the High Court declined to interfere with the trial court's order, ensuring that the sentence will continue to remain in force until the appeal is decided.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman