Kerala High Court Approves Bail for Anto Augustine
In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has granted bail to Anto Augustine, the Managing Director of Reporter TV, a prominent Malayalam news channel. Augustine was implicated in a case under the Kerala Abkari Act, following a seizure of liquor that exceeded permissible limits from his Wayanad residence. The ruling was delivered by Justice Kauser Edappagath in response to Augustine’s bail application.
The case, titled Anto Augustine v State of Kerala, examined whether Augustine could be legitimately linked to the property from which the liquor was confiscated. The court had previously questioned the prosecution about Augustine’s connection to the said property, especially considering claims that the property had been auctioned off by a bank in 2022. Justice Edappagath required the prosecution to present evidence establishing Augustine’s possession of the property.
Augustine’s arrest occurred on September 17, following a raid by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Kerala Police. The raid was part of a broader investigation into alleged financial discrepancies related to an unsuccessful attempt to bring the Argentinian national football team and Lionel Messi to Kerala. The main sponsor for this event was Augustine’s company, Reporter Broadcasting Company.
During the search at Augustine’s family home, approximately 67 liters of foreign liquor and wine were discovered, surpassing the legal limit for personal possession. Consequently, the Excise Department arrested Augustine and charged him under Sections 55(i), 55(a), and 58 of the Kerala Abkari Act, which address illegal activities related to liquor and intoxicants.
Initially, a magistrate court denied Augustine’s bail plea on September 18, prompting him to seek relief from the High Court. In his plea, Augustine contended that the property had changed ownership through a bank auction in 2022, and thus, the seized items were not in his possession. He also highlighted procedural flaws in the search and arrest operations and argued against the necessity for custodial interrogation.
Augustine’s defense was led by Senior Counsel S Sreekumar, supported by advocates MP Shameem Ahamed and Muhammed Firdouz AV. After hearing arguments from both Augustine’s legal team and the State, the High Court decided to grant bail.
