The Supreme Court has today turned down the plea of the state of Kerala for an extension of time to conclude trial in the Actor Rape Case.

A Bench of Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice C.T. Ravikumar heard the application on behalf of the state, represented by Senior Advocate Jaideep Gupta for an extension of time by another six months.

The application was opposed on behalf of the accused Dileep by Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi.

Rohtagi contended that the plea is an attempt by the state to delay the trial.

Rohtagi said that earlier there was an attempt to change the trial judge and then the prosecutor resigned. Rohtagi also said that the plea was filed prior to the Kerala High Court permitting examination of some more witnesses. He added that the Trial Judge had not approached the Court seeking extension of time.

The Court observed that it is not inclined to allow extension of time at the instance of the state government.

The Court passed an order dismissing the application while reserving liberty to the Trial Judge to seek an extension of time.

The state government's request to keep the matter pending while seeking a report from the Trial Judge was rejected.

Mukul Rohatgi also submitted before the Court that the state is conducting a media trial in the matter.