Kerala High Court Grants Bail to Alleged LTTE Operative Citing Delayed Trial

The Kerala High Court granted bail to Satkunam, a 33-year-old Sri Lankan refugee accused of being an LTTE operative, citing his prolonged incarceration of over four years without trial commencement. The court emphasized his constitutional right to a speedy trial under Article 21 and imposed conditions including surrendering his passport, restricted travel, regular police reporting, and communication with the NIA. The Centre opposed bail citing UAPA provisions, but the court ruled these do not override the right to a timely trial, applicable to all individuals regardless of citizenship.