KOCHI:THE Ernakulam Principal District and Sessions Court on Monday dismissed a petition seeking the appointment of a female judge for conducting the trial in the actor assault case.Rejecting the petition filed by counsel for the victim, the court cited the High Court’s direction to conduct the trial by the Principal District and Sessions Court itself as no female judges are available with Sessions Court and Additional Sessions Court.
Besides, the court said a special court will not be set up for trying the case. Since restrictions on media coverage in cases pertaining to crimes against women are already there, the court observed there is no need to issue a specific gag order in the case.
The court also allowed the petition moved by the defence counsel seeking permission for examining the footage of the assault. The defence counsel can examine the visuals in the presence of the judge and public prosecutor in the judge’s chamber.
The court also gave its nod for handing over the medical report of victim following the examination conducted at Ernakulam Medical College Hospital, on February 18, 2017, a day after the incident.
The court posted the petitions seeking discharge petitions filed by the accused to June 27.