The Kerala High Court on Tuesday allowed the State government a week to file its response to a petition filed by C. Jaseela, widow of journalist K.M. Basheer, challenging an order of the Sessions Judge, Thiruvananthapuram, transferring the court considering the death case.
Basheer died after he was hit by a car allegedly driven by IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman on August 3, 2019..
The sessions judge had transferred the case from the Additional District and Sessions Court - I to the Additional District and Sessions Court - IV in Thiruvananthapuram on the ground of the health condition of the lawyer appearing for the accused.
Ms. Jaseela expressed concern that the prosecution of the accused would not be handled properly by the new prosecutor, who in her opinion, was not experienced enough to handle a case with nearly 100 witnesses.
Mr. Venkitaraman was charged with offences under the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, for rash and negligent driving, culpable homicide, destruction of evidence, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The petition also alleged that the prosecution was not progressing well and stated that Ms. Jaseela had submitted representations to the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, and the Home Minister before approaching the High Court.
