Govindachami, the convict in the Soumya murder case, has submitted a supplementary petition before the Kerala High Court seeking the presence of Judges at the place where the crime occurred.
The counsel for petitioner submitted the petition when the appeal filed by Govindachami challenging the death sentence awarded by the Fast Track Court Thrissur came up for hearing on Saturday. The High Court is also considering an appeal filed by Dr Umesh, who conducted the autopsy, seeking to expunge certain remarks on the verdict by the Fast Track Court.
The counsel for Govindachami also sought the permission for the convict to be present before the Court while the hearing is in progress. The counsel argued that the hearing on Delhi Gangrape case was held in the presence of the accused. He also demanded that the convict should be given an opportunity to be heard through video conference, if permission is denied to appear before the court.
The court said that supplementary petition would be considered after considering the primary petition by the convict.
The incident happened on Feb 1, 2011, when 23-year-old Soumya was raped and murdered by the convict while on her way back from Kochi to her native place near Shornur.
Govindachamy was charged with murder, attempt to robbery, rape and trespassing into ladies compartment.