The Kerala High Court has declined to suspend the 20-year prison sentence awarded to Martin Antony, the driver of the vehicle used in the abduction and sexual assault of a Malayalam actress in 2017.
Antony had approached the High Court challenging his conviction by the Sessions Court and sought temporary suspension of his sentence until the appeal is decided. However, the Bench found no substance in his argument that he was merely driving the vehicle and had no knowledge of the conspiracy behind the crime.
A Division Bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar observed that, at first glance, the material on record indicated that Antony was not a passive participant. The Court noted that he had actively facilitated the offence and appeared to share the common intention of the other accused involved in the conspiracy.
Rejecting his plea, the Bench stated that his role could not be reduced to that of a driver with no connection to the larger criminal plan.
The Court also took note of Antony’s conduct during the trial, pointing out that he had allegedly breached bail conditions by making defamatory remarks against the survivor while he was out on bail.
Describing the offence as one reflecting an “extraordinary degree of criminal depravity,” the Bench emphasised that crimes of this nature affect not only the individual victim but also society’s faith in the criminal justice system. According to the Court, such acts strike at the dignity, bodily autonomy and sense of security of women, making it essential to preserve public confidence in the rule of law.
The case relates to the 2017 abduction and sexual assault of a prominent Malayalam actress inside a moving vehicle, during which visuals of the incident were allegedly recorded.
Martin Antony is among six individuals convicted by a trial court in Ernakulam for offences that include criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, wrongful confinement, assault with intent to outrage modesty, disrobing and gang rape. Antony was also convicted of destroying evidence and providing false information to shield offenders.
All six convicts were sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
According to the prosecution, the principal accused, Sunil N.S., popularly known as Pulsar Suni, carried out the crime as part of a conspiracy allegedly intended to humiliate and blackmail the actress. Actor Dileep, who had faced allegations of involvement in the conspiracy, was acquitted by the trial court.
Several convicts have challenged their convictions and sentences before the High Court. The Bench hearing the appeals has already rejected similar applications seeking suspension of sentence filed by some of the other convicted persons.
With Antony’s application now dismissed, his sentence will continue to remain in force while the appeal proceedings move forward.
