Two Republic TV Journalists Held for Filming IRIS Lavan Seek Bail Before Ernakulam Court, Move Kerala Court for Bail

Two Republic TV journalists arrested in Kochi for filming an Iranian naval vessel have approached a Kerala court seeking bail.

Reporter CG Shankar and cameraman S Mani were taken into custody on March 8 after they allegedly attempted to capture visuals of the Iranian warship IRIS Lavan, which is currently docked at Cochin Port.

Their bail application was heard by the Judicial First Class Magistrate-I Court in Ernakulam on Monday. After hearing arguments from both sides, the Court reserved its order and is expected to deliver its decision on Tuesday.

The journalists were reportedly travelling in a small hired boat near the port area along with a boat driver when they attempted to film the naval vessel. The ship had arrived in Kochi following diplomatic arrangements between India and Iran.

Authorities stated that the area where the journalists were found is a restricted high-security zone. Photography and videography in this zone are prohibited unless specific permission has been granted by authorities.

Officials from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who are responsible for security at the port, detained the trio near the restricted area. They were subsequently handed over to local authorities for further action.

Police booked the journalists under provisions of the Official Secrets Act, including Section 3(1)(a), which relates to spying in prohibited places, and Section 5, which concerns the wrongful communication of information.

In addition, they were also charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The sections invoked include Section 329(3), which deals with criminal trespass, and Section 3(5), which relates to acts carried out with common intention.

The arrest comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The IRIS Lavan arrived at Kochi shortly after reports emerged that another Iranian naval vessel had been sunk by the United States off the coast of Sri Lanka as part of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

During the bail hearing, advocate Geo Paul, appearing for the journalists, argued that no sensitive or objectionable footage had been recorded by his clients.

He further submitted before the Court that the docking of the Iranian ship had already been widely reported by several news organisations. According to the defence, this fact weakens the allegation that the journalists were attempting to gather or communicate secret information under the Official Secrets Act.

The bail application on behalf of the journalists was formally filed through advocate Luke J Chirayil.

After considering the submissions made during the hearing, the Ernakulam magistrate reserved the order and stated that the decision on the bail plea would be announced on Tuesday.