Kerala HC admits State’s appeal seeking enhancement of punishment in actor assault case

The Kerala High Court, on Monday (June 22, 2026), admitted the State government’s appeal to enhance the punishment awarded to the convicted and challenging the acquittal of the other accused, in the actor assault case of 2017.

The State’s plea was to increase the punishments imposed on the convicted persons, including Sunil N.S., a.k.a. Pulsar Suni and to challenge the acquittal of four of the accused, including actor Dileep.

The Ernakulam Sessions Court had convicted six of the accused and awarded each one 20 years’ imprisonment on two counts of gang rape, 10 years’ imprisonment for assault and use of criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe her, and one year’s simple imprisonment for wrongful confinement. It was found that the accused had also committed the offence of destruction of evidence and taking and distributing obscene images. 

Additionally, four of the six convicted had applied for suspension of their sentences, admitted earlier this month by the High Court.