The Kerala Feminist Forum has demanded that the State government file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court against the recent Kerala High Court order absolving former Minister A. Neelalohithadasan Nadar in the sexual assault case involving IFS officer Prakrithi Srivastava.
Around 20 activists, including K. Ajitha, C.S. Chandrika, Jayasree A.K., and Eliyamma Vijayan, have pointed out that Ms. Srivastava’s victory in 2004 and 2005 in the trial court and sessions court, where Mr. Nadar was found guilty, was an inspiration for working women in the State. However, absolving him 20 years later on the grounds that Ms. Srivastava was late to file the complaint was unjustifiable, the activists say. “That the judges are still unable to understand the trials women have to undergo just to file a sexual harassment complaint is a grave issue. It is still a denial of justice,” they say in a press release.
The activists also point out the similar complaint filed by IAS officer Nalini Netto against Mr. Nadar years ago and the support rendered to her by the women’s organisations in the State. “This order is a setback for efforts made to ensure women’s dignity and safety in the State. It is a reflection of the patriarchal mindset of the courts that incriminate the survivors and set the perpetrators free. The evidence provided by the complainant was repeatedly neglected. She was also alienated to force her to withdraw the complaint,” the release said.
The State government has been asked to file an SLP to show its support to women in the State, as well as to retrieve their trust in the legal framework and the justice system of the country.
Published – September 28, 2025 08:14 pm IST
