Kerala Court Grants Bail to Republic TV Journalists Arrested for Filming Iranian Warship

A Kerala court has granted bail to two journalists from Republic TV who were arrested for filming an Iranian naval vessel near the Kochi port. The incident drew attention because the journalists were booked under serious provisions, including the Official Secrets Act, after allegedly capturing visuals of the warship.

The Judicial First Class Magistrate-I Court at Ernakulam allowed the bail plea and ordered the release of reporter CG Shankar and cameraman S Mani. The Court directed both accused to execute bonds of ₹1,00,000 each and furnish two solvent sureties for the same amount.

While granting relief, the Court noted that the equipment used by the journalists had already been seized by the authorities. It also observed that the investigation had progressed significantly, reducing the need for further custody of the accused persons.

Another factor that influenced the Court’s decision was the nature of the witnesses involved in the case. Since most witnesses are members of the Coast Guard, the Court observed that the possibility of the journalists threatening or influencing them appeared minimal.

The journalists were taken into custody on March 8 in Kochi. They were accompanied by a boat driver when they attempted to capture visuals of the Iranian naval ship IRIS Lavan, which had docked at Cochin Port.

According to reports, the vessel had arrived at the port following a diplomatic arrangement between India and Iran. Its arrival came shortly after reports that the United States had sunk another Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka during the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Authorities alleged that the journalists travelled in a small hired boat and moved close to the restricted port area to record visuals of the ship. Security personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) intercepted them near a high-security zone where photography and videography are prohibited.

Based on the incident, the police registered a case under Sections 3(1)(a) and 5 of the Official Secrets Act. They were also charged under Sections 329(3) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal trespass and acts committed with common intention.

During the hearing, advocate Geo Paul, appearing for the journalists, argued that no objectionable or sensitive footage had been recorded. He also pointed out that several other media outlets had already reported on the docking of the vessel, suggesting that the charges under the Official Secrets Act were excessive.

The Court ultimately granted bail with conditions. The journalists have been directed not to leave Ernakulam district for two months. They must also appear before the investigating officer every Sunday during this period as part of the bail conditions.