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 report the gang rape and death of a Dalit woman in Hathras.
Appearing for Kappan, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice U U Lalit and S Ravindra Bhat that the heart of the allegation is that PFI put cash of Rs 45,000 in his client’s account for the activities, however, there is no evidence, just allegations.
The bench asked the UP counsel to file her objections in the matter. The top court has fixed the plea for final disposal on September 9.
Earlier this month, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had rejected Kappan’s bail application, who was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the alleged Hathras conspiracy case.
Siddique was arrested on October 5, 2020, with three others, while he was on his way to the district.
The police claimed that the Kappan was trying to disturb the law and order in Hathras.
