Kerala High Court grants interim bail to News Channel Editors in POCSO Case [Read Order]

Kerala: The Kerala High Court has granted interim anticipatory bail to two senior journalists from Reporter Broadcasting Company in a case alleging violations of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan issued the interim order in response to bail applications filed in connection with Crime No. 41/2025 of Cantonment Police Station, Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala High Court Interim Bail: What It Means for Journalists in POCSO Cases

The case involves two petitioners: Arun Kumar K, aged 46, who serves as the Consulting Editor, and Shabas Ahammed S, aged 24, who works as the Sub Editor-Digital at Reporter Broadcasting Company.

The court noted a significant aspect of the case, stating: “Admittedly, there is no grievance to the victim child and the parents of the child.”

POCSO Act Case: Kerala HC Grants Bail to Senior Journalists from Reporter Broadcasting Company

The charges against the petitioners fall under Sections 11(i) and 12 of the POCSO Act. The court highlighted that the maximum punishment for an offence under Section 12 of the POCSO Act is less than three years.

In its directive, the court ordered that if the petitioners are arrested in connection with the case, they shall be released on bail after executing a self-bond.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 3, 2025.

The case was argued by Senior Counsel Sri P. Vijayabhanu, along with advocates P.K. Varghese, M.T. Sameer, Dhanesh V. Madhavan, Jerry Mathew, Reghu Sreedharan, and Devika K.R., appearing for the petitioners.

Case Title: Arun Kumar K & Anr v. State of Kerala

[Read Order]