Ebenezer News Explainer DeskExplainers are written from our published summary and its cited sources, then checked against them.27 Oct 2026, 11:45 amUpdated 2h ago4 min readIndiaIndia
The Supreme Court of India has postponed the hearing regarding journalist Siddique Kappan’s request for the return of his passport. It is a significant matter as it concerns the ongoing bail conditions imposed on him following his arrest in 2020.
Simple details
Siddique Kappan was arrested on October 6, 2020.
The Supreme Court granted bail on September 9, 2022.
The case involves the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Bail conditions required the deposit of his passport.
The next court hearing is set for November 2.
What happened in court
On October 27, 2026, a Bench consisting of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe heard the plea. The court decided to defer the proceedings until November 2.
The adjournment occurred after the Standing Counsel for Uttar Pradesh, Ruchira Goel, informed the Bench that she had received the application only that morning. She requested additional time to seek instructions regarding the plea.
The Bench agreed to the submission made by the state counsel. They confirmed that they would take up the matter on the scheduled date in November.
Why it matters
This legal development is important for the journalist and the parties involved in the Hathras conspiracy case. The passport remains a key element of the bail conditions established by the Supreme Court.
The journalist seeking travel freedom.
Legal representatives for the state of Uttar Pradesh.
The judicial process regarding bail compliance.
Observers monitoring press freedom and legal rights.
These conditions were originally set to ensure the accused remained within the court's jurisdiction. It isn't possible to change these terms without formal judicial review and consent from the relevant authorities.
How we got here
Siddique Kappan was arrested on October 6, 2020, while traveling to Hathras. He was intending to report on the gangrape-murder of a girl from the Scheduled Caste community.
Following his arrest, he was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Authorities alleged a conspiracy to incite riots in the area, a claim that led to prolonged legal battles through various courts.
In 2022, the Supreme Court granted him bail after he challenged an order from the Allahabad High Court. The apex court set specific conditions, including reporting to police stations and depositing his passport.
Reality check
Legal processes involving bail conditions are often slow and require strict adherence to procedural requirements. The state is entitled to seek instructions before responding to new applications.
This means that even if a petitioner seeks relief, the court must balance the rights of the individual with the procedural rights of the state. Delays are a common feature of such complex litigation.
What happens next
The legal process will resume in November when the court reconvenes to hear the arguments. The Bench will consider the state's response before making a decision on the passport.
The state will seek necessary instructions.
The court will hear arguments on the application.
A decision will be made regarding the release of the passport.
Following the hearing, the court may choose to modify or maintain the existing bail conditions. Such adjustments depend on the submissions made by both the petitioner and the state counsel.
Who should buy and who should skip
Those who follow legal developments in India should track this case.
Students of constitutional law may find the bail conditions relevant.
Journalists interested in press freedom issues should monitor the outcome.
Those looking for immediate resolution to the case may find the delays frustrating.
Readers who prefer quick, final court verdicts may be disappointed by the adjournment.
Verdict
This case remains an important study in how bail conditions function within the Indian judicial system. Readers should watch the November 2 hearing for further updates on the status of the passport. It is a reminder of how long legal processes can take, and you'll want to stay tuned for the next update.
