CPI(M) leader files defamation notice against Congress district panchayat member

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] State committee member K.P. Udayabhanu has sent a legal notice to Sreena Devi Kunjamma, an elected member of the Pathanamathitta District Panchayat, demanding ₹50 lakh as compensation for alleged defamatory remarks made against him on social media.

The legal notice follows a case registered by the Adoor police against Ms. Kunjamma on Tuesday based on a complaint lodged by Mr. Udayabhanu, 72, alleging that she attempted to tarnish his public image and personal life through social media. The case was registered under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with provocation with the intent to cause a riot, and Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, which deals with causing nuisance through communication.

The controversy erupted after Mr. Udayabhanu criticised Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil, following which Ms. Kunjamma published the contentious Facebook post amid a series of political exchanges on social media between the Congress and the CPI(M).

Ms. Kunjamma, who was earlier associated with the CPI, joined the Congress last year.