Journalist Siddique Kappan Again in Trouble: 11 People Booked in Kochi Protest Case

Thiruvananthapuram | September 14, 2025

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan and ten others were booked by Kochi city police. The charges are related to unlawful assembly and creating obstruction to public order during a protest near the Kerala High Court junction.

The incident has stirred a debate on freedom of speech, the right to protest, and the frequent use of strict laws like UAPA against journalists and activists.

The Protest in Kochi

The protest was organised by the Rejas Solidarity Forum. It was held to demand the withdrawal of the UAPA case against Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek, a student activist and independent journalist from Kerala.

Rejaz was arrested in May 2025 by police in Nagpur. Authorities accused him of posting content on social media against “Operation Sindoor” and “Operation Kagaar.” These were military operations, and his posts were alleged to be against national interest. He was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a controversial anti-terror law that has often been criticised for misuse.

On Saturday, nearly 30 people gathered at the High Court junction in Kochi to show solidarity with Rejaz. Some participants made speeches, others held placards. Siddique Kappan, who is currently out on bail, also spoke during the meeting.

Who All Were Booked

The First Information Report (FIR) names 11 people, including Kappan. The list includes:

• Pramod Puzhankara, an advocate
• C P Rasheed, activist
• Sajid Khalid
• Dr Hari
• Bhaburaj Bhagavathi
• Ambika
• Mridula Bhavani

The rest are yet to be clearly identified. Police say all were part of the unlawful gathering.

Why the Police Intervened

According to the police, the protest violated multiple rules:

1. Public address system without permission – Officers said the organisers used loudspeakers and microphones without approval.
2. Obstruction of traffic – The meeting was held on a busy junction near the High Court, causing problems for vehicles and pedestrians.
3. Failure to disperse – When police asked the protestors to end the meeting, some resisted. This reportedly led to heated arguments and a scuffle.

Two people were arrested on the spot. Others, including Kappan, left before police action. However, names of the key protestors were later included in the FIR.

The Legal Charges

The FIR mentions several charges:

• Unlawful assembly under Section 143 of the IPC.
• Obstructing public ways under Section 283.
• Disobedience to order given by a public servant under Section 188.
• Assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant under Section 353.

If proven in court, these charges could lead to fines and jail terms.

Siddique Kappan’s Past Case

Kappan is not new to legal trouble. In October 2020, he was arrested by Uttar Pradesh police while on his way to Hathras to report on the brutal rape and murder of a Dalit girl.

He was accused of conspiracy and booked under UAPA and other laws. He spent more than two years in jail before being granted bail. His arrest had triggered protests across the country, with many journalist groups calling it an attack on press freedom.

Since his release, Kappan has been active in public discussions and solidarity events. However, this new FIR may put him back into the legal spotlight.

Supporters’ View

Supporters of the protest argue that it was peaceful and democratic. They say that showing solidarity with Rejaz is not a crime.

Kappan, while speaking at the event, reportedly said: “Raising our voice for the oppressed is not unlawful. They may try to silence us with false cases, but truth will always stand.”

Many civil rights activists believe the police overreacted. They point out that protests are a part of democracy, and using criminal sections for small gatherings is unnecessary.

Political Reactions

The incident has also taken a political turn.

• BJP leaders in Ernakulam have demanded action against Kappan. They argue that by joining the protest, he may have violated his bail conditions.
• Left and Congress leaders have not yet made strong statements, but some individual members criticised the FIR. They said it shows how even in Kerala, known for political freedoms, police can use strict laws to curb dissent.

Why This Case Matters

This case is important for several reasons:

1. Freedom of expression – It raises questions about whether journalists and citizens can gather to support someone without facing police action.
2. Use of UAPA – The protest was mainly about UAPA misuse. Ironically, the protestors themselves now face legal cases.
3. Role of police – Critics argue that police could have simply monitored the protest instead of registering an FIR with serious charges.

What Happens Next

The Kochi police will continue their investigation. Those named in the FIR may have to appear before the court. The court will also check whether Kappan’s bail conditions were breached.

If the charges stick, the accused could face long legal battles. Their lawyers are likely to argue that the assembly was peaceful and that the charges are politically motivated.

On the other hand, if the police prove obstruction and unlawful use of loudspeakers, the accused may have to face trial and possible punishment.

Bigger Picture

The fresh case against Siddique Kappan shows how easily protests in India can turn into criminal cases. It also highlights the fine line between freedom of speech and restrictions under law.

For many, this is not just about 11 people in Kochi. It is about the larger question: Can ordinary people still protest without fear of arrest?

On September 13, 2025, a small protest in Kochi turned into a legal storm. Journalist Siddique Kappan, along with ten others, now faces charges of unlawful assembly and obstruction. The protest was in support of another journalist, Rejaz, who is jailed under UAPA. While police see it as a violation of law, supporters view it as a democratic right. The coming weeks will decide how the case unfolds, but for now, it once again puts the spotlight on dissent, journalism, and the shrinking space for protest in India.