The Principal District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam on Monday strongly criticised Advocate T.B. Mini, who represented the survivor in the 2017 actor assault case, over her conduct during the trial.

The remarks were made while the court was considering contempt of court petitions linked to the case. Advocate Mini was not present in court on the day of the hearing. Instead, her junior was present during the hearing.

The trial court while enquiring about the counsel observed that during the course of the trial, the advocate had appeared in court for fewer than 10 days. On the days she did attend, the court noted that her presence usually lasted only about half an hour.

The court further remarked that during this limited time, she was often asleep. It said the advocate appeared to treat the courtroom as a resting place, and later alleged that the court had not heard or considered submissions.

Earlier, following the acquittal of actor Dileep and two others by the Principal Sessions Court, Ernakulam, Mini had claimed she was facing cyberbullying and online intimidation. Several people had also publicly criticised her, accusing her of laxity in the handling of the case. She had made certain critical remarks about court through the media after the verdict.