Kochi: The Kerala High Court has granted bail to activist Rehana Fathima, arrested for allegedly posting controversial remarks on social media.
The court has barred her from entering Pamba and directed her not to put up any social media posts that could hurt religious sentiments.
Fathima, 39, had unsuccessfully tried to visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala in October, after the Supreme Court allowed women of all groups to enter the hill shrine.
She is an accused in a case registered by the Pathnamthitta Police for offences punishable under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs).
She was alleged to have posted some pictures on her Facebook account and written her opinion which hurt religious sentiments.
Fathima, a BSNL employee, was arrested from her office here on November 27 and remanded to judicial custody. Her bail plea was rejected by the Pathnamthitta judicial magistrate court earlier. She then moved the Kerala HC for bail.
While the state government has decided to implement a SC verdict, the Congress-led UDF and the BJP have said they are with the faithful and against the entry of young women.
Fathima had courted controversy when she attempted to trek to Sabarimala along with Hyderabad-based journalist Kavitha in October.
They were escorted by police officers, but had to return following stiff opposition from the right-wing activists.
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