Headline
The Kerala High Court lifts the bail condition by limiting media coverage of Death of Bishop.
Summary
The Kerala High Court lifted a bail condition stopping the YouTube news channel ‘i21 News’ from airing news about the death of K. P. Yohannan, former Supreme Head of Believers Eastern Church. The Kerala High court highlighted that freedom of media cannot be controlled as a condition of bail.
Key Facts
- Case Name: Sunil Mathew vs. The Station House Officer and Another
- Judge Name: Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas
- The issue is about the bail condition imposed on ‘i21 News’ restricting the coverage of the Bishop’s death
- Complaint: Allegations of foul play behind death Bishop Yohannan in Texas
- Charges were made under Sections 153, 120B, 384, 506 of Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 120(o) of Kerala Police Act.
Legal Insights
The Kerala High Court stated that imposing restrictions on free expression through bail conditions is unconstitutional under Article 19(1)(a) of Indian Constitution. Bail conditions cannot be arbitrary or diminish fundamental rights.
Impact
The ruling of the Kerala High Court strengthens the protection of press freedom and sets limitations on the bail conditions that violate freedom of expression.
Why It Matters
It showcases the balance between free speech and responsible journalism, by making it sure that legal remedies exist without overreaching restrictions on media rights.
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