Kochi: The Kerala High Court has rapped the state government over the stand it took in the actress assault case before the Supreme Court. Referring to the government’s affidavit filed before the apex court that a charge sheet will not be filed immediately against actor Dileep, who is one among the accused, the High Court asked the government on what basis it was done. The High Court, while reminding the government that this matter was within the purview of the court, also wondered whether it was aimed at deliberately delaying the trial.

The High Court made the observations while rejecting a bail plea moved by Pradeep, the sixth accused in the case. The court ruled that the plea could be filed before the trial court after completion of the deposition by the chief witnesses.

Dileep had earlier moved the Supreme Court seeking a copy of the memory card containing visuals of the attack on the actress. Meanwhile, the government acceded to Dileep’s demand that the charge sheet in the actress assault case would not be filed till this plea was disposed of.

Dileep had approached the Supreme Court after his petition before the High Court was rejected. The Supreme Court has now posted the case to May 1.