Martin Antony Moves Kerala High Court Challenging Rape Conviction & Sentence In 2017 Actress Assault Case

Martin Antony, the second accused in the 2017 actress abduction and rape case moved the Kerala High Court on Monday (January 12) challenging his conviction and sentence passed by the Principal District and Sessions Court Ernakulam.

The Sessions Court had found him to be guilty of the offences under Sections 109, 120B, 342, 354, 354(b), 366, 355(b), 357, 354B and 376D of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act. It had then sentenced him to 20 years' imprisonment.

Malayalam actor Dileep, who was arrayed as the 8th accused, was acquitted by the Sessions Court, finding that the prosecution failed to prove conspiracy by the actor in the case.

When the matter came up for consideration today, Justice A. Badharudeen posted the matter with the connected cases, which are preferred by the other convicts. The cases will come up again on February 4.

In the appeal, Martin has stated that he was not present inside the vehicle when the sexual assault happened. He has also made out a case that he should be given the same treatment as the 8th accused in the case, Dileep.

"At this juncture it is also equally pertinent to mention herein that the allegation levelled against the Accused No.8 was also his participation in a conspiracy with Accused No.1. When two accused persons involved in a crime are identically situated, the Ld. Trial Court require to give an identical treatment in appreciation of evidence for convicting / acquitting them. Hence a lengthy, meticulous / microscopic appreciation of evidence in detail with a sole purpose for ensuring the acquittal of one and a narrow appreciation of evidence against another with a sole purpose for his conviction cannot be justified and for that reason alone the conviction and sentence of Accused No.2 is liable to set aside," states the plea.

Martin has also filed an application for suspension of his sentence and to release him on bail while the matter is pending before the High Court.

Two of the other convicts, Saleem H. @ Vadival Salim and Pradeep, have also moved the High Court appealing against the decision of the Sessions Court.

Martin Antony's appeal is moved by Advocates Alex Joseph and Nisha K. Peter.

Case No: Crl.A. No. 4/2026

Case Title: Martin Antony v. State of Kerala