Kochi: A petition has been filed before the Sessions Court, Ernakulam, against high court Judge-designate Abraham Mathew seeking a directive to make him an accused in the suicide case of former Alappuzha district judge P.K. Baburaj.
Petitioner V.T. Raghunath, who is also a former judge, alleged that Abraham Mathew harassed Baburaj and even abused him calling his caste name.
Raghunath filed a plea challenging the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court order dismissing his plea.
The court will consider the case on January 4.
Raghunath argued that Abraham Mathew threatened Baburaj, who was the Principal District and Sessions Judge Alappuzha, that he would be either terminated from service or his chance of becoming a High Court judge would be spoiled making use of his contacts and influence.
He contended that Baburaj committed suicide consequent to the harassment of Abraham Mathew.
The overt acts of the accused amounted to instigation and abetment of suicide. The petitioner sought to charge an offence punishable under section 306 (abetment of suicide) and the section of SC ST Prevention of Atrocities Act against him.
The state had ordered a Crime Branch probe into the suicide. Baburaj, former additional district judge in Thrissur, was found hanging at his rented home.
His relatives and close friends alleged foul play in the death.
Abraham Mathew is expected to be sworn in as a judge of Kerala High Court on January 1.
