Lawfare – Defamation, Journalists

In June 2025, an FIR was lodged against journalist Nandakumar TP under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for offences of outraging a woman’s modesty, intimidation and intent to cause reputational harm, and dissemination of obscene content electronically. He was also booked under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act that penalises publication or transmission of obscene material in electronic form.

The State Police had alleged that a YouTube video posted by the journalist contained derogatory, sexually coloured, and threatening remarks aimed at humiliating and tarnishing the reputation of the woman leader.

The Kerala High Court on June 9 declined to grant Nandakumar anticipatory bail and directed him to surrender before the police.