Kathiroor Manoj Murder Case: SC Dismisses CBI's Plea For Transfer Of Trial, Directs Trial Court To Frame Charges In Four Months

The Supreme Court has dismissed the plea of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to transfer the trial in the Kathiroor Manoj Murder Case out of Kerala.

The Bench of Justice Krishna Murari and Justice S. Ravindra Bhat has directed the trial court to complete the proceedings for framing of charges within a period of four months.

"However, looking at the overall facts and circumstances, we direct the trial court to complete the proceedings for framing of charges within a period of four months from today without granting any unnecessary adjournments to either of the parties", the Court directed in its order of November 23, that was uploaded recently.

Kathiroor Manoj (42), a 'Jillah Sharirik Shikshan Pramukh' of RSS in Kannur, Kerala was murdered on September 1, 2014. At about 11 am, when Manoj accompanied by his friend Pramod arrived at the scene of occurrence in a blue Maruti van, the first accused hurled a country bomb aimed at the vehicle. The bomb exploded and Manoj lost control of the vehicle resulting in a crash when the accused surrounded the vehicle. Manoj, who was injured by the blast, tried to hold the door of the vehicle from being opened. An accused broke the windshield of the vehicle with the long blade of the weapon and inflicted a stab injury on the chest of Manoj. A cut injury was also inflicted on his right wrist. The accused persons opened the door of the vehicle, dragged Manoj out and inflicted several injuries on the vital parts of his body. Some of the accused persons guarded both the entries of the road to prevent passengers from entering the scene of occurrence. When the victim was almost dead, one of the accused slit the throat of Manoj with a steel dagger to ensure his death. Manoj's friend survived with injuries and is an eyewitness in the case.

P Jayarajan, a leader of the CPIM is an accused in the case and the Kerala High Court had upheld the invocation of UAPA against him. Most of the accused were associated with the CPIM. 

Dismissing the plea of the CBI filed in the year 2018, the Court held, "Having heard learned counsel for the parties, we are not inclined to grant the prayer made in this petition seeking transfer of the proceedings. The transfer petition accordingly stands dismissed".

The Court recorded the statement of both parties that they shall cooperate with the disposal of the proceedings for framing of charges and shall not seek any unnecessary adjournments.

The Court also directed the trial court to file a compliance report before the Apex Court on the expiry of the period of four months.

Cause Title: S.P. CBI Through Joint Director v. Prakasahan  C. & Ors.

Click here to read/download Order