Meanwhile, Kerala High Court Advocates Association

criticised the media and politicians for levelling 'malicious' charges against former Judge R Basant, who courted controversy over his remarks against the victim in the case. The association passed a resolution in this regard at its Extra ordinary General body Meeting here, which was supported by a majority of the lawyers. Justice Basant along with Justice K A Abdul Gaffoor had delivered the judgement in the case in 2005 acquitting 35 accused and upheld the sentence of one accused, Dharmarajan. The Supreme court had recently quashed the acquittal. A TV channel had some days back aired footage of a private conversation with Justice Basant in which he stated that the victim of the Suryanelli case was used for child prostitution, which was not rape. The remarks drew widespread protests in Kerala, with DYFI, Yuva Morcha and women's organisations protesting and burning Justice Basant's effigies in various parts of the state. Most of the advocates criticised the channel for using a hidden camera and recording a private conversation. The General Body came down on the stand of the media and political leaders for passing 'derogatory' remarks against Justice Basant. Meanwhile, Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), Ernakulam district committee and Ernakulam Press club criticised the 'manhandling' of Ittoop by AIYF activists. They have also filed a police complaint. Ittoop, who had come to the press club to address a press meet on the Suriyanelli case was allegedly manhandled by AIYF activists as he was returning. Ernakulam Press club President Abdulla Mattancherry and secretary M S Sajivan condemned the incident.