Supreme Court Adjourns Hearing on Siddique Kappan's Passport Release Plea to November 2
The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan's application seeking the release of his surrendered passport until November 2.
Kappan, who spent over two years behind bars following his arrest by Uttar Pradesh authorities in October 2020, had approached the top court requesting relaxation of bail conditions to enable him to travel abroad for professional employment.
Bail Conditions Under Judicial Scrutiny
When the Supreme Court granted bail to Kappan in September 2022 in connection with charges brought under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the bench imposed several compliance measures. Among those directions, Kappan was required to deposit his passport with the trial court and remain within designated territorial limits for specified periods.
In his latest application, Kappan submitted that the continued withholding of his passport has significantly restricted his livelihood and journalistic career. He pleaded for the release of the travel document to take up independent work assignments and prospective employment abroad, citing financial hardship and the need to support his family.
During proceedings, the apex court bench adjourned the matter to November 2 to enable further examination of the state's response and related legal filings.
Background of the Hathras Case
Kappan was taken into custody in October 2020 by Uttar Pradesh Police near Mathura while en route to Hathras, where a 19-year-old Dalit woman had died following a fatal assault and alleged gang rape.
Investigating agencies booked Kappan alongside three co-travelers under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the anti-terror UAPA, alleging a conspiracy to trigger unrest and disrupt law and order in the aftermath of the Hathras tragedy. Kappan consistently denied all charges, maintaining that he was traveling strictly in his professional capacity as an accredited working journalist to report on the incident.
After securing bail from the Supreme Court in the primary terror-link case in September 2022, Kappan had to clear separate proceedings initiated by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Allahabad High Court granted him bail in the money-laundering matter in late December 2022, leading to his eventual release from Lucknow prison in February 2023.
Next Legal Steps
Legal representatives representing Kappan argue that prolonged deprivation of travel documents post-bail infringes upon personal liberty and the constitutional right to earn a livelihood, especially in the absence of evidence suggesting a flight risk. The Uttar Pradesh administration has historically contested any relaxation of bail safeguards.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear detailed arguments from both sides when the petition returns to the board on November 2.
About Gaurav Sen
Senior Editorial Director & Lead Geopolitical Analyst
Senior Editorial Director and investigative correspondent covering national affairs, international relations, defense, and economic policy for Live News 365.
