Wed Jan 22 13:13:54 UTC 2025: ## Kerala High Court Adjourns Hearing in MLA’s Evidence Tampering Case

**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala –** The Kerala High Court adjourned until January 23rd a hearing on a petition demanding a special public prosecutor for the case against MLA and former Transport Minister Antony Raju. Raju is accused of tampering with evidence in a 1990 drug smuggling case while acting as a lawyer for an Australian national.

The petition, filed by journalist Anil K Emmanuel, alleges that Raju, in collusion with a court clerk, helped the Australian national evade conviction by altering evidence. While the Australian was initially convicted, he was later acquitted by the High Court due to concerns about the evidence. The prosecution argues that Raju’s actions severely undermined public trust in the judicial system.

The petitioner contends that the current assistant public prosecutor may face undue pressure from political parties and that the case’s high profile and sensitivity warrant a special prosecutor. The High Court and Supreme Court have previously commented on the gravity of the allegations and their impact on the administration of justice. The court will resume hearing the petition on January 23rd.

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