Court allows CPI(M) workers to keep bail after Onam event visit

A local court in Thiruvananthapuram has turned down a police request to cancel the bail of two Communist Party of India (Marxist) workers involved in an attack case on Enforcement Directorate officials. The prosecution wanted the bail cancelled for Nithin Raj and former corporation councillor I.P. Binu because they allegedly took part in Onam celebrations at a police station. Both men had visited the station to sign their attendance book as ordered by the court when the festivities were taking place. Mr. Binu even posted videos of the celebration on his social media accounts. Prosecutors argued that joining the festivities broke their bail rules. The magistrate court disagreed and noted that their brief participation, which included playing the traditional drum and riding a swing while they were at the station for official bail sign-ins, did not count as a rule violation. The two accused men are part of a group of 27 party workers arrested after ED officials were attacked during a May 27 raid at the residence of Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan.

Context

Bail conditions usually require accused persons to check in regularly at designated police stations while their cases move through the legal system. Courts examine whether an action truly breaks a legal order before revoking bail. This ruling keeps both party members out of custody while the main legal case proceeds.