Kochi: Advocate T.B. Mini, who represented the survivor in the 2017 actress assault case, has moved the Kerala High Court seeking criminal contempt action against trial judge Honey M. Varghese. Filed through advocate K. Nandini, the petition challenges the Kerala Advocate General's decision to deny permission for contempt proceedings against the magistrate. On Tuesday, Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan listed the matter and posted it for detailed consideration on Wednesday.

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Allegations of open court remarks

The dispute follows comments allegedly made by Judge Varghese in open court on January 12, 2026 whilst hearing a petition for the survivor. Advocate Mini, who assisted the public prosecutor during trial and High Court proceedings, alleges the judge accused her of attending fewer than ten trial days, staying for barely half an hour, and sleeping during hearings. The lawyer refutes these claims, stating she attended over 200 trial days to examine witnesses and present arguments.

She contends the remarks were made before lawyers, staff, and journalists, falsely depicting her as negligent. Broadcast on television and social media, the statements triggered online abuse and harmed her professional standing and livelihood. Public perception was adversely affected, leading many to believe she had neglected her duties and caused the acquittal of certain accused persons.

Prior complaints and requested remedies

Advocate Mini had initially submitted a complaint to the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court and later sought sanction from the Advocate General for criminal contempt action. On April 22, 2026, the Advocate General turned down her request, reasoning that the comments amounted to extravagant language rather than criminal contempt. Her fresh petition asserts that the Advocate General failed to properly evaluate the material provided.

In her plea, Advocate Mini seeks contempt proceedings against Judge Varghese, expunction of the remarks from court records, official clarification restoring her standing, and the removal of related news coverage. Judge Varghese, transferred from Ernakulam to Alappuzha District Court in a routine transfer, delivered the trial verdict in December 2025. The judgment convicted main accused Pulsar Suni and five others whilst acquitting actor Dileep, accused of masterminding the attack. Appeals by the convicts and a State appeal against Dileep's acquittal remain pending before the High Court.