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The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Malayali actor Dileep and other accused of conspiring to kill police officers investigating the case pertaining to abduction and molestation of a Malayalam actor that happened in 2017.

Kerala Police had, on January 9, registered a case on a complaint by an investigating officer based on a purported audio clip in which Dileep was heard conspiring to attack officials investigating the sexual assault case back in 2017.

While granting pre-arrest bail to Dileep and others, Justice Gopinath P. of the Kerala High Court held that the prosecutions' apprehensions regarding non-cooperation with the investigation could be addressed by conditions and if they are violated, the prosecution can apply for arrest. 

The Prosecution had further argued that granting Dileep bail would impact the faith people have in the judiciary, the High Court granted bail and added that the prosecution can apply for arresting the accused at any time, if it is needed.

Recently, the Top Court had refused to extend the time for completion of trial of the case pertaining to abduction and molestation of a Malayalam actor, in which Dileep is an accused.

The state of Kerala had moved the Supreme Court seeking extension of time on the ground that a new witness has approached the police.

A bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar and CT Ravikumar refused to allow the state's plea.

The Court on hearing the parties refused to grant an extension of time for completion of trial and further held that it would be appropriate for a Trial Judge to seek an extension, if at all it is required. 

Case Title: P. Gopalkrishnan @ Dileep & Ors vs State of Kerala & Anr