Bail Conditions Modified: Rapper Vedan Free to Tour Abroad

The Kerala High Court has significantly altered the bail conditions for popular Malayalam rapper Vedan, enabling him to undertake an international concert tour. Justice C. Pratheep Kumar overturned the restrictions that prevented the artist, whose birth name is Hirandas, from departing Kerala and from being required to report to the investigating officer every Sunday. This judicial intervention paves the way for Vedan’s performances in key international cities like Dubai, Qatar, France, and Germany, scheduled from November 23 to December 20. The court’s decision was influenced by the prosecution’s lack of objection, provided Vedan ensures he informs the investigating officer about his international travel plans beforehand and attends to the officer’s requests for his presence with prior notification. The legal challenge arose from a case initiated in December 2022 based on allegations of sexual harassment. Vedan had previously obtained pre-arrest bail but challenged these particular restrictive conditions. The High Court noted Vedan’s diligent adherence to the existing bail terms over the last six weeks, supporting the decision to ease the restrictions while maintaining appropriate oversight.