Kerala Court Grants Bail To Republic TV Journalists Arrested For Allegedly Filming Iranian Warship

The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court - 1, Kochi on Tuesday (March 10) granted bail to Sankar C.G. and Mani S., the journalist and cameraman for Republic TV, who were arrested on Saturday for allegedly filming an Iranian warship in a restricted zone of Cochin Port.Sri. Kannan L., Magistrate passed a common order granting bail to the journalists and the driver of the boat who took them. The Court remarked that though the allegations are serious in nature, the investigation has progressed considerably. It was also noted that the equipment allegedly used for committing the offence were already seized at the time of apprehension as well as the scene mahazar prepared. Further, it was opined that bail can be granted since the petitioners have no antecedents and there are no chances of absconding or influencing the witnesses, who happened to be members of the Coast Guard."Considering the nature of allegations, a major portion of investigation is already over. It is to be noted that the petitioners are having no antecedents. The petitioners are journalists and a speedboat operator and considering those aspects, the chance of them absconding are bleak. Further, the material witnesses are the members of Coast Guard, so the chance of petitioners influencing or threatening them are also bleak. The apprehensions raised by the prosecution can be taken care of by imposing sufficient conditions. I am of the view that the petitioners can be granted bail imposing stringent conditions," the Magistrate observed.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.The counsel for the accused argued that the news of an Iranian warship being docked at the Cochin port was aired by the entire news channels prior to the alleged incident. It was further contended that the offences alleged would not be attracted in the present case.They are accused of the 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.The journalist and cameraman of Republic TV were represented by Advocate Luke J. Chirayil. Other advocates who appeared for the accused are Geo Paul, Zainudeen P., A.R. Thejas Krishna, Neha Ramakrishnan, Jacob Victor.Case No: C.M.P. No: 1/2026 and CMP 2/2026 in Cr. No. 78/2026 of Harbour P.S.Case Title: Sankar C.G. and Anr. v. State of Keral and Anr.Click to Read/Download Order

Kerala Court Grants Bail To Republic TV Journalists Arrested For Allegedly Filming Iranian Warship

K. Salma Jennath

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