The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to tribal teacher Soni Sori and journalist Lingaram Kodopi of Chattisgarh who have been accused of Maoist links. The court said the appellants were already on interim bail on the condition that they would not enter Chhattisgarh during the period. Two other accused had been granted bail. Charges were yet to be framed.
Soni Sori had lost her husband and had to look after her children who were of tender age. Lingaram Kodopi claimed he was trying to establish himself as a good citizen.
“Taking into consideration all these circumstances cumulatively and going by past history, as demonstrated by both the Counsel for the appellants, we are of the opinion that the appellants deserve to be enlarged on bail during the pendency of trial on furnishing personal securities in the sum of Rs. 50,000 with two sureties each of a like amount.”
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