SC grants bail to journalist in Israeli embassy vehicle blast

The court also disapproved the procedure adopted by the chief metropolitan magistrate in keeping Kazmi's application for statutory bail pending and instead extending the time of his detention for further investigation retrospectively. The court also frowned over the high court endorsing the procedure followed by the lower court.

A bench of Chief Justice Altamas Kabir, Justice S.S. Nijjar and J. Chelameswar directed that Kazmi be "released on bail to the satisfaction of the chief metropolitan magistrate, upon such conditions as may be deemed fit and proper".

The court directed Kazmi to surrender his passport, report to the local police station, and not leave the city limits where he would be residing without the permission of the Court, so as to ensure his presence at the time of the trial.

Kazmi was detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with the Feb 13, 2012, blast in an Israeli embassy vehicle blast that took place on Aurangzeb Road-Race Course Road crossing.