A Kerala court acquitted actor Dileep in the 2017 actress assault case, invoking the Latin maxim Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum. The verdict emphasised that justice must prevail solely on evidence, regardless of pressure or allegations.
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KERALA: The Ernakulam District Principal and Sessions Court in Kerala acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep in the high-profile 2017 actress abduction and assault case, invoking the Latin legal maxim “Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum,” meaning “Let justice be done though the heavens fall.”
The judgment, spanning 1,709 pages, was delivered by Sessions Court Judge Honey M Varghese, who addressed serious allegations made by both the prosecution and the defence concerning attempts to influence the judicial process.
In a dedicated section titled ‘Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum’, the court explained its decision to disregard mutual accusations exchanged during the trial and focus solely on the legal merits of the case.
The maxim, rooted in Roman law, emphasizes that justice must prevail regardless of consequences or external pressures.
“The court left all these matters unattended following the legal maxim ‘Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum’,”
the judgment stated.
Under the section titled Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum, the court took note of the sharply opposing allegations made by the prosecution and the defence during the trial. The Special Public Prosecutor submitted that actor Dileep had attempted to influence judges who dealt with the case at different stages, with particular emphasis on the trial court judge.
In response, Dileep’s counsel strongly denied these claims and argued that the prosecution and the investigating team had, instead, made concerted efforts to malign the judicial system, including by personally targeting the trial judge. The defence further alleged bias on the part of the Special Public Prosecutor and the investigating officer.
The court observed these rival submissions but stated that it left these matters unattended, choosing to proceed strictly in accordance with the legal maxim Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum, focusing solely on the evidence placed before it.
Court’s Findings on Conspiracy and Evidence
The court conducted a detailed examination of allegations that Dileep:
- Conspired to abduct and sexually assault the actress
- Had links with other accused individuals
- Attempted to tamper with evidence
However, the judgment concluded that the prosecution failed to produce sufficient and credible evidence to establish these charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Verdict: Dileep Acquitted, Others Convicted
- Actor Dileep and three others were acquitted
- Six accused were convicted and sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment
The court clarified that while the crime itself was proven, the alleged conspiracy involving Dileep could not be legally sustained.
Background of the 2017 Actress Assault Case
The case relates to the abduction and rape of a Malayalam actress in a moving vehicle in Kochi in February 2017, a crime that shocked Kerala and sparked nationwide outrage.
Dileep was later arrested on conspiracy charges, leading to one of the most closely watched trials in the state’s judicial history.
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