In a case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court on Friday.

He was granted bail by Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh's bench. After the Lucknow Court denied him bail in the case, he moved to the High Court in October 2022 to request relief.

Three months after the Supreme Court had granted bail in all other counts brought against him, the Allahabad High Court's decision opens the door for his release from custody.

After having his bail request denied by a local court in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, in July of last year, Kappan appealed the Allahabad High Court. Kappan had "no employment" at Hathras, according to the Allahabad High Court, which denied him bail.

Mohammad Alam, the taxi driver who was also charged with Kappan, had his bail increased by the High Court on August 23. The bail order noted that while "incriminating evidence" was seized from Kappan's custody, none was seized from Alam.

In the PMLA Case, the Lucknow District filed charges earlier this month under Sections 3 (offence of money laundering) and 4 (penalty for money laundering) of the Act against Kappan and six other individuals.