Kerala High Court Grants Interim Anticipatory Bail To Two Accused In ISRO Espionage Case

The Kerala High Court on Monday granted interim anticipatory bail to former police officers S. Vijayan and Thampi S. Durga in the ISRO espionage case for two weeks. The duo was accused of being a part of the conspiracy to falsely implicate, arrest and torture ISRO scientist NambI Narayanan for espionage.

Justice Ashok Menon while passing the interim orders also extended the interim bail granted to another accused P.S Jayaprakash for two more weeks. 

The ASG submitted before the Court that the Additional Solicitor General intends to make an appearance in the matter, and sought time till next Monday. Following this, the Single Bench enquired if the ASG was aware if the petitioners would be arrested during the proceedings. 

When the ASG expressed his uncertainty regarding the same, the Court passed an interim order to the effect that in the event of their arrest, they shall be released on interim bail on the execution of a bond of Rs. 50,000 each and with any conditions imposed by the Police. 

Advocate Sasthamangalam Ajithkumar made an appearance on behalf of S. Vijayan and Thampi S Durga and Advocate Kaleeswaram Raj appeared on behalf of PS Jayaprakash. Both their arguments were rooted to the ground that they have been accused of events that occurred twenty-six years ago and that all offences except one (Section 365) alleged against them were bailable. 

They also concurred that they were ready to cooperate with the investigation. Advocate Sasthamangalam further submitted that the Gujarat High Court had also granted them interim bail in the matter to his clients. 

Finding merits in the arguments submitted by the petitioners, the Court passed an interim order to S. Vijayan and Thampi S Durga, and further extended the one passed in favour of PS Jayaprakash for another two weeks. 

Case Title: S. Vijayan & Anr v. CBI