A local court Wednesday granted bail to Hurriyat leader Masarat Alam in sedition charges filed against him in 2010 for circulating a video asking security personnel to leave Jammu and Kashmir.

After hearing both prosecution and the respondent, the Special Mobile Passenger Tax & Electricity Magistrate, Surinder Singh rejected the objection filed by the state against Hurriyat leader’s bail.

The court granted Masarat bail over surety and personal bond of Rs 50000.

The court found no reason for Alam’s continuous imprisonment “for the reason that continuity in custody shall result in his pre-trial punishment and is likely to deny him an opportunity to seek appropriate legal assistance in preparing an effective defence”.