The Supreme Court of India has relaxed the bail conditions for journalist Siddique Kappan, who was arrested in connection with the alleged conspiracy to instigate communal riots following the tragic gang-rape and murder of a Dalit woman in Hathras. The decision, delivered by a bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Sandeep Mehta, allows Kappan to avoid the previous requirement of reporting every week to a local police station in Uttar Pradesh.
Kappan, who has been out on bail since September 9, 2022, filed an application seeking to modify the bail order, which mandated that he report to the Uttar Pradesh police every Monday. His legal counsel argued that the condition was burdensome and that Kappan has been residing in Kerala since being granted bail.
The court noted that Kappan had initially been allowed to stay in Delhi for six months before returning to Kerala, where he is now based. In light of this, the bench stated, “We are of the opinion that the condition 2 in our order of September 9, 2022 is to be modified. It shall not be necessary for the petitioner to report to the local police station.”
The Uttar Pradesh government, represented by advocate Ruchira Goel, indicated that they were indifferent to the application since Kappan is currently residing outside the state. Kappan’s attorney also requested the return of his passport, which was seized during the investigation. Goel clarified that the UP government does not have Kappan’s passport, having only confiscated some pamphlets and booklets from his residence in Delhi.
Kappan’s arrest in October 2020 was part of a broader crackdown on alleged terrorism financing and conspiracy under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He faced multiple charges, including sedition, after being accused of using journalism as a facade for activities linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). Kappan has consistently denied these allegations.
The court’s previous ruling on Kappan’s bail had expressed skepticism regarding the strength of the evidence presented against him. Nonetheless, it imposed conditions including the surrender of his passport and the requirement to not communicate with anyone involved in the case.
The ongoing legal developments highlight the contentious issues surrounding press freedom and the rights of journalists in India, particularly in politically sensitive cases. As Kappan continues to contest the charges against him, the Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant shift in the conditions of his bail, providing him with greater freedom while the legal proceedings unfold.
Sources By Agencies
