Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan has filed an interlocutory application before the Supreme Court of India requesting the release of his passport and the relaxation of stringent bail conditions imposed following his release from detention. Kappan was initially arrested in October 2020 while traveling to Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, to cover the fatal gang rape of a young Dalit woman, subsequent to which he faced anti-terror charges before obtaining apex court bail.
In his recent application, the journalist submits that he has scrupulously complied with every bail stipulation, including regular appearances before local police authorities and refraining from traveling outside designated municipal limits without prior judicial sanction. Kappan stated that recovering his travel documents is essential to resume professional freelance reporting assignments and pursue international educational fellowship opportunities. Counsel for the journalist pointed out that prolonged retention of identification papers without active trial proceedings constitutes an unreasonable restriction upon the fundamental right to livelihood and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
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Sources:
https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/journalist-siddique-kappan-moves-supreme-court-seeking-release-of-passport-556081