Republic TV Journalists Booked For Filming Iranian Ship In Cochin Port Move Kerala Court Seeking Bail

Sankar C.G. and Mani S., the journalist and cameraman for Republic TV, who were arrested on March 7 (Saturday) for allegedly filming an Iranian vessel in a restricted zone, have moved the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court - 1, Kochi seeking bail.

The prosecution allegation is that the accused entered the high security area of the Southern Coal Berth (SCB) of Cochin Port and captured photos and videos of an Iranian ship, which had allegedly been docked there for security reasons. It is further alleged that these acts were done with an intention to threaten the security of the nation.

A crime was registered by the Harbour Police Station in Ernakulam against them as well as the boat driver based on a first information statement received and alleging commission of offences punishable under Sections 329(3) [Criminal trespass and house-trespass] and 3(5) [Criminal acts done in furtherance of common intention] of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Sections 3(1)(a) [Penalties for spying] and 5 [Wrongful communication, etc., of information] of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.

In the bail plea, it is stated that the allegations are misconceived and exaggerated. It is further stated that the petitioners had no intention to compromise national security or to obtain confidential information.

"The petitioners are professional journalists working with a reputed national news channel. Their presence near the port area was purely for journalistic purposes and in connection with reporting matters of public interest. The actions attributed to them were part of legitimate journalistic activity and cannot be construed as an attempt to compromise national security," states the plea.

It is also pointed out that the petitioners have no criminal antecedents and the crime was registered in haste, without proper appreciation of the factual circumstances surrounding the incident. The petitioners further contended that the grounds of arrest were not communicated properly to them.

They have also challenged their arrest as being violative of the safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court in Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar [2014 (3) KHC 69].

Sri. Kannan L., Magistrate on Monday (March 9) heard arguments on behalf of the petitioners and reserved its verdict. The Court is likely to pronounce its verdict tomorrow.

The bail application is moved by Advocate Luke J. Chirayil.

Case No: Cr.No (ERN-PS-Harbour)/78/2026

Case Title: Sankar C.G. and Anr. v. State of Keral and Anr.