The Supreme Court, acting on Kappan’s plea, eliminated the requirement for him to present himself weekly at a police station in Uttar Pradesh, a stipulation that had imposed a considerable logistical and financial burden on the journalist. Previously, Kappan was required to travel from Kerala to the UP police station every Monday, a routine his legal team argued was excessive given the lack of direct evidence implicating him in any violence. The modified conditions now allow Kappan to report monthly to the Kerala police instead.
Kappan, a native of Kerala, was arrested in October 2020 while en route to Hathras, where he intended to cover the tragic assault and death of a young Dalit woman—a crime that drew nationwide scrutiny and widespread condemnation. His arrest was justified by authorities under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and included charges of sedition and intent to incite violence. The state alleged that he and three associates were part of a conspiracy to incite unrest, though no concrete evidence emerged publicly to support these claims.
The Supreme Court had earlier expressed skepticism regarding the robustness of the charges filed against Kappan, particularly under such restrictive provisions. This criticism led to his eventual bail in December 2022, with his release granted on the condition of compliance with stringent reporting requirements.
While Kappan and his family have welcomed the court’s recent ruling, legal observers note that his case has reignited debates on the application of UAPA in India. The law, primarily intended to curb terrorism and national security threats, has drawn criticism for its potential misuse, especially against journalists and activists. The high-profile nature of Kappan’s case and the lengthy pre-trial detention have underscored concerns over procedural delays and the presumption of guilt often associated with UAPA cases.