# Court reserves order on in-camera trial plea in Abhimanyu murder case 2026-09-16T16:11:27+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court will pronounce its order on September 22 on a plea by the 16 accused in the Abhimanyu murder case seeking an in-camera trial. The trial is scheduled to begin on October 15, nearly eight years after the murder of the SFI student. The accused argued that an open trial could affect their future prospects and influence witnesses. The prosecution strongly opposed the plea, stating that in-camera proceedings are reserved for sexual assault cases and that murder accused cannot claim such privilege. The accused also sought restrictions on media entry and photography, and curbs on gatherings of Maharaja's College students near the court. The trial, which will examine 156 witnesses, is directed by the Kerala High Court to be completed within four months, by November 12. All 16 accused have pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and rioting. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Both The Hindu and New Indian Express report the same facts neutrally, with no discernible slant. The coverage is uniform straight reporting focused on the procedural timeline. The key watch item is the court's September 22 order on the in-camera plea, which will determine whether the trial proceeds in open court or behind closed doors. The High Court's deadline to complete the trial by November 12 imposes a firm schedule on a case delayed for eight years. ## Coverage - thehindu.com (neutral report) Straight procedural reporting with no editorial slant - newindianexpress.com (neutral report) Factual timeline reporting without framing or commentary Tags: Abhimanyu murder case, Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court, Kerala High Court, PFI, SFI Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/court-reserves-order-on-in-camera-trial-plea-in-abhimanyu-murder-case/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/court-reserves-order-on-in-camera-trial-plea-in-abhimanyu-murder-case/#story-in-brief