The Missing Mastermind: Dileep’s Verdict and Partial Justice?

Following the long and complex trial pertaining to the ‘planned conspiracy’ case involving actor Dileep, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court delivered a verdict acquitting him of all charges. These encompassed criminal conspiracy, abduction, gang rape (as a conspirator/abetter), destruction of evidence, and violations under the IT Act (for allegedly recording or publishing explicit content). Tracing back to 2017, when the incident occurred, it is evident that the case and the subsequent verdict stemmed from a cavalcade of procedural measures, which were further delayed by the pandemic.

From a contemporary perspective, the reaction of the public reflects not only stern consternation regarding the judicial review but also questions the systemic injustice transpiring within the periphery of adjudication. This discrepancy raises a repertoire of disparate questions—ranging from the one-sided judicial conclusion asserting the ‘failure of prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt’ to public opinion, which blends the dual domains of conviction and vindication.

Convicting the actual attackers without the conspirator who allegedly hired the gang—despite what many consider pellucid evidence—draws a muddy line between the terrains of judicial transparency and instrumental idealism. As the case had gained gross momentum in the public spectrum through media sensationalism, some question the moral ambivalence of the judiciary regarding this partial judgment. Meanwhile, others stand in favor of the verdict, believing it has brought the ‘hidden reality’ into the limelight.

However, the court emphasized that although the sexual assault and abduction of the actress were real, there was no concrete evidence linking Dileep to the crime. After the examination of 260 witnesses and testimonials, the verdict convicted six others, holding them accountable and guilty for the crime. On the flip side, Dileep, who is alleged to have orchestrated and masterminded the whole crime, was not found guilty. This verdict comes in the wake of the Hema Committee report, which revealed the deep rot in Mollywood, one of the most popular film hubs. It stated that the industry was dominated by "a mafia of powerful men" and that "sexual harassment of women is rampant.