BJP Councillor Sugathan granted bail in two cases, but KAAPA order blocks release

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram Corporation BJP Councillor R. Sugathan has been granted bail in two separate cases by the Nedumangad Second Class Magistrate Court, though he remains unable to leave prison due to pending preventive detention orders.

Sugathan secured bail in an attempted murder case registered at the Vattiyoorkavu police station and in a second case involving the alleged assault of police officers while he was being taken into custody. The magistrate court had previously denied bail in both matters.

During earlier proceedings when bail was withheld, the court granted special permission for Sugathan to take his oath as a municipal councillor. However, the court noted at the time that because he was an accused under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA), he could only take the oath with the explicit permission of the High Court.

While the newly granted bail in the two criminal cases clears immediate judicial hurdles, Sugathan’s release from custody remains contingent on the outcome of a separate legal challenge regarding his KAAPA detention. A petition filed by Sugathan seeking to invalidate the KAAPA order, which was previously upheld by the government, is currently pending before the High Court. Only a favourable ruling in the KAAPA case will allow him to walk out of jail.