M A I N   N E W S

SC cancels bail to journalist Gopal
Our Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, September 26
The Supreme Court today cancelled the bail of R.R. Gopal, editor of Tamil magazine “Nakkeeran”, against whom the Jayalalithaa government had slapped POTA after he was arrested in connection with a case relating to the disappearance of a person.

Setting aside the Madras High Court order granting him bail, a Bench comprising Mr Justice S.N. Variava and Mr Justice H.K. Sema accepted the arguments of Tamil Nadu counsel that Gopal, had a close association with forest brigand Veerappan.

The court was not impressed with the contention of his counsel that the case against the journalist was mala fide and motivated.

During the captivity of Karnataka film star Raj Kumar, Gopal had acted as emissary of the DMK government, headed by M. Karunanidhi, to secure his release.

He was arrested on April 11 this year in the case relating to the disappearance of Rajamani, and the state authorities had slapped POTA on him after five days claiming that the police had recovered arms and ammunition and certain sensitive documents from him.

Gopal’s counsel had contended that he was framed in a “false case” by the government for his writing on the state’s failure to capture Veerappan.

While granting bail to him, the high court had said that the seizure of the arms and ammunition from him “prima facie” looked “doubtful”.