Supreme Court Relaxes Weekly Reporting Requirement For Journalist Siddiqui Kappan

The Supreme Court has removed the rule requiring journalist Siddiqui Kappan to report to a police station in Uttar Pradesh every Monday. Justices PS Narasimha and Sandeep Mehta issued the order, freeing Kappan from this weekly attendance. Police arrested Kappan in October 2020 while he traveled to Hathras after the alleged gang rape and death of a Dalit woman.

The Uttar Pradesh government opposed his bail, claiming he intended to incite unrest. Officials allege Kappan was part of a conspiracy to provoke religious tensions over issues like the CAA, NRC, and Babri Masjid verdict.

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Siddiqui Kappan’s Arrest and Bail Conditions

The Supreme Court granted Siddiqui Kappan bail in September 2022 after nearly two years in jail. The court emphasized his right to free expression. It initially required him to stay in Delhi for six weeks and report weekly to the Nizamuddin police station. Authorities charged Kappan and three others under the IPC and UAPA, alleging ties to the Popular Front of India (PFI). They claimed PFI funded protests against the CAA.

Hathras Case Sparked National Outrage

The Hathras incident drew widespread anger. Four men allegedly gang-raped a young Dalit woman on September 14, 2020. She later died in a Delhi hospital. Her family says authorities cremated her without their consent, preventing a final goodbye. The case raised concerns over justice for marginalized communities.

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