Kochi: The survivor in the high-profile actress assault case has submitted a formal complaint to the President of India and the Chief Justice of India, opposing the proposed elevation of trial court judge Honey M Varghese to the Kerala High Court.

Survivor challenges judge’s elevation

The survivor in the 2017 actress assault case in Kochi has raised strong objections to the proposed promotion of trial court judge Honey M Varghese to the Kerala High Court.

According to reports, the survivor and her supporters have submitted petitions to the President of India and the Chief Justice of India, seeking a halt to the elevation process.

The Kerala High Court Collegium had recommended her name along with four other district judges for appointment as High Court judges.

Allegations raised in petition

The petition reportedly alleges irregularities during the trial process, including claims that a memory card containing sensitive visuals related to the case was accessed improperly while it was under judicial custody.

It also raises concerns about fairness in the conduct of the trial and questions the role of those involved during the proceedings.

These allegations are part of the survivor’s broader objection to the judge’s proposed elevation.

Background of the case

The actress assault case is one of Kerala’s most high-profile criminal trials, involving a 2017 attack that triggered widespread public and legal attention.

The case was tried in a special court under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) framework, and proceedings continued over several years before a verdict was delivered in December 2025.

The court sentenced key accused, including Pulsar Suni, while acquitting several others, including actor Dileep.

Collegium recommendation process

The Kerala High Court Collegium recommended five judicial officers for elevation based on seniority and performance, including district judges from Ernakulam, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Such recommendations are reviewed at multiple levels before final approval by the Supreme Court Collegium and formal appointment by the President.

Why the issue matters

The petition has brought renewed attention to the intersection of judicial accountability and elevation processes in high-profile cases.

It also highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding the actress assault case, which continues to draw legal and public scrutiny even after the trial verdict.

The matter is now before the Supreme Court Collegium system for further consideration.