Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan granted bail by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court today granted bail to the journalist, who has been lodged in Uttar Pradesh jail since 2020. On getting bail, he said, "Every person has freedom of expression.
Siddique Kappan, who had been in jail since 2020, was arrested for going to Hathras in Uttar Pradesh and reporting about the gang rape of a 19-year-old girl. He was charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Chief Justice of India UU Lalit said the journalist will report to the police in Delhi for the next six weeks and then in Kerala.
Malayalam news portal Azimukham journalist Siddique Kappan was earlier denied bail by the court. Police said he was trying to disturb law and order in Hathras. They also alleged that the accused had links with the Popular Front of India (PFI).
The Uttar Pradesh government in the court today argued that Kappan was paid to incite clashes and was not an accredited journalist. He opined that he was trying to create a riot situation and use explosives.The Supreme Court questioned the evidence against Kappan.
—What was found with Siddique Kappan?
—No explosives were found, no baggage was found with him but was found in the car and they were not used for publicity, Justice Lalit observed.
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