Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde while hearing a petition said that- “we are trying to discourage Article 32 petitions.” The bench while hearing the submissions of Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal who was appearing on behalf of Petitioner Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) issued notice in the matter and noted that there was much possibility that the petitioner will be directed to approach the HC.
The petition of Habeas Corpus for release of Kerala Journalist Sidhique Kappan was adjourned to November 20th, 2020 (Friday). He was arrested by UP Police while he was covering the Hathras case of alleged rape & murder of a 19 year old dalit woman.
Sr. Adv. Kapil Sibal also submitted before the SC that Kappan isn’t allowed to meet his lawyer, family or friends to which CJI said that – “we are not on the merits of the case. Why can’t you go to the High Court?” SC also asked the Sr. Adv. To amend the petition to which Sibal replied that he cannot as Kappan isn’t allowed to meet his lawyers in jail. In accordance with this the court adjourned the matter and asked to bring the State as well.
Last week, the KUWJ filed an interim application in the habeas petition seeking permission for regular VC meetings of Kappan with his family members and lawyers after the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mathura, refused such permission.
The bench in the petition finally listed the matter after a month and refused the plea of Habeas Corpus.
