SC asks Kerala journalist arrested in Hathras to approach Allahabad HC for bail; keeps his plea pending with it

The Supreme Court Monday adjourned by four weeks the hearing of a habeas corpus petition seeking the release of Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan, who was detained by the Uttar Pradesh police while on his way to report the alleged Hathras gang rape case.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal sought permission to file an amended plea under Article 32. He submitted that when the plea was filed, it was a habeas corpus petition. Now, Sibal said, an FIR has been registered against the journalist under the anti-terror UAPA.

"No court in Uttar Pradesh will grant us bail. Let us approach you under Article 32 of the Constitution," Sibal pleaded.

A bench led by CJI S A Bobde, however, suggested that senior advocate Kapil Sibal approach the Allahabad High Court. We are here to see if something wrong happens, the CJI added.

Two days after the journalist and three other men on their way Hathras were taken into detention, police charged them with sedition and sought to implicate them in an "international conspiracy" to incite riots.