Queency Jain
Kerala Journalist, Siddique Kappan, who is currently under detention in Uttar Pradesh for the offence of sedition and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), has approached a Mathura Court for bail.
Kappan, in his bail application, told that he was arrested illegally while en route to Hathras, U.P., where he was going to report a crime (Hathras rape case) in the discharge of his duty as a journalist in October 2020.
Kappan contended that despite having no evidence against him, the cases were registered and he was arrested.
Kappan has further contended that despite having a journalist card, his detention amounts to a violation of fundamental rights of the people and of the media to freedom of speech and expression.
Not only detention, but Kappan also stated that he was beaten up by the officials on the date of his arrest.
Though bail was his fundamental right, neither his family nor lawyers were informed about the arrest thereby violating the legal requirements and directions of the Supreme Court in DP Basu’s case.
Kappan is currently under detention for over 7 months.
