The Kerala High Court on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, directed the Additional Sessions Court-IV, Thiruvananthapuram, to defer further proceedings for one month in the 2019 road accident case involving IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman.
Justice C.S. Dias passed the order after the State informed the Court that it had, in principle, decided to appoint advocate A.I. Santhosh Kumar as the Special Public Prosecutor for the trial.
Background Of The Case
The petition was filed by Jaseela C, widow of journalist K.M. Basheer, who died after being allegedly hit by a vehicle at Museum Junction, Thiruvananthapuram, in 2019.
The petition initially challenged a January 20, 2025 order transferring the sessions case from the Additional District and Sessions Court-I to Additional District and Sessions Court-IV. During the proceedings, however, the petitioner confined the challenge to a request for appointment of a senior prosecutor with suitable experience to conduct the prosecution.
The petitioner had also approached the State authorities seeking appointment of a Special Public Prosecutor.
Court's Observation
When the matter was taken up, the Public Prosecutor submitted that the government had already taken an in-principle decision to appoint A.I. Santhosh Kumar. The formal notification, however, had not yet been issued.
Taking note of the submission, the High Court confirmed the transfer order while allowing time for the formal appointment.
The Court directed that the Special Public Prosecutor should conduct the trial for the State once the government issues the notification.
Decision
The High Court ordered the Additional Sessions Court-IV, Thiruvananthapuram, to defer further proceedings in Sessions Case No. 595 of 2021 for one month from August 18.
The Court directed,
“Immediately after the notification is issued by the government, the special public prosecutor shall conduct the trial” on behalf of the State.
Case Details
Case Title: Jaseela C v. Sriram Venkittaraman and Anr.
Case Number: Crl.M.C. No. 6560 of 2026
Judge: Justice C.S. Dias
Decision Date: August 18, 2026
