Abhimanyu murder case in Keralam: court reserves order on plea by accused for in-camera trial

The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court has reserved its verdict on a petition moved by the accused in the Abhimanyu murder case seeking in-camera proceedings in the trial scheduled to commence on October 15, 2026.

Principal Sessions Judge K.K. Balakrishnan is expected to deliver the judgment on September 22, 2026. The petition, moved by the accused earlier this week, was strongly opposed by the prosecution. The prosecution argued that in-camera proceedings are typically reserved for sexual assault victims and cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and that murder accused cannot claim such a privilege.

In their plea, the accused also sought restrictions on the entry of media personnel and the public, as well as on taking their photographs. They contended that a public trial would affect their future lives and potentially influence witness testimony.