The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from the Uttar Pradesh Government on the bail plea of Kerala-based journalist Siddique Kappan, arrested in October 2020 while on his way to Hathras where a Dalit woman had died after allegedly being gang-raped.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and S Ravindra Bhat fixed the plea for final disposal on September 9. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had earlier this month rejected the bail application of Kappan, who was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the alleged Hathras conspiracy case.
He was arrested while travelling with PFI activists. The FIR had been filed under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the UAPA against four persons having links with the Popular Front of India (PFI).
Recently, the High Court granted bail to driver of vehicle, saying he was not in association with other three including Kappan. The PFI was accused in past of funding protests against Citizenship Amendment Act across country. PNS
The police charged the accused persons were trying to disturb the law and order in Hathras.