A Kochi trial court is scheduled to deliver its judgment on Monday in the high-profile 2017 actress abduction case (assault case), with Malayalam superstar Dileep named as the eighth accused. But with Kerala set for two-phase local body elections on December 9 (Tuesday) and 11 (Thursday), a key question is gaining traction — will the court rule now, or wait until after the polls?

Dileep, one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest commercial stars, spent nearly three months in jail in 2017 before being granted bail.

The case has since been marked by intense legal battles, heated public debate, sharp divisions within the film industry, and recurring allegations of influence and interference.

Eight years on, the impending judgment carries significant political and social weight.

How could a conv

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