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The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (18 August) deferred trial proceedings in the 2019 rash driving case against IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman, for a period of one month. 

Justice C.S. Dias passed the order in a petition filed by widow of journalist K.M. Basheer who was killed when a vehicle allegedly driven by Venkitaraman ran over him at high speed, at Museum Junction in Thiruvananthapuram in 2019.

The petition sought to quash a January 20, 2025 order of the Sessions Judge, Thiruvananthapuram, transferring the case from the Additional District and Sessions Court-I to the Additional District and Sessions Court-IV.

However, on 11, August 2026, the counsel for the petitioner submitted that they are confining the petition to second relief in the petition which has sought for a direction to the State to ensure that the prosecution is conducted by a senior prosecutor with proven credentials and an impeccable track record.

The petitioner had also submitted representations to the Additional Chief Secretary and the Home Minister seeking the appointment of a Special Public Prosecutor to prosecute the case.

Today, when the matter was taken up, the Public prosecutor informed the court that the government had already in principal taken decision to appoint advocate A.I. Santhosh Kumar as the Special Public Prosecutor. However, the formal notification appointing him was yet to be issued, resulting in some delay.

Taking note of the government's submission, the court confirmed the order transferring the case to the Additional Sessions Court-IV.

At the same time, the court directed the Sessions Court to defer further proceedings. 

The court further directed that immediately after the government issues the notification appointing Santhosh Kumar, he shall conduct the trial on behalf of the State as the Special Public Prosecutor.

"In light of the above submission, confirming annexure1 order (transfer order) , I direct the additional Sessions Court IV, Thiruvananthapuram to defer further proceedings in SC 595/ 2021 by one month from today. Immediately after the notification is issued by the government, the special public prosecutor shall conduct the trial .. on behalf of the State." Court ordered. 

Case Title: Jaseela C v Sriram Venkittaraman and Anr.

Case No: Crl.MC 6560/ 2026

Counsel for Petitioner: M. Revikrishnan

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