Facebook Post Sparks Legal Battle Between Kerala Political Rivals

A Facebook post has triggered a legal confrontation between a CPI(M) leader and a Congress leader in Kerala, with the former demanding Rs 50 lakh in damages.

K P Udayabhanu, a state committee member of the CPI(M), has sent a legal notice to Sreena Devi Kunjamma, a Congress leader and district panchayat member from Pathanamthitta. He has asked her to take down the post, issue a written apology and reply within 15 days.

The post, according to reports, raised questions about events during Udayabhanu's tenure as president of the Pathanamthitta district panchayat. It alleged that he had visited the residence of a woman panchayat employee in Peringanad for what was described as official discussions.

The post also questioned the vehicle he currently uses and contained several other personal claims. Udayabhanu has rejected all of them as false and defamatory and has begun legal proceedings.

The Adoor police had earlier registered a case against Kunjamma following Udayabhanu's complaint. The FIR says the complaint accused her of damaging his public image and presenting him as a person with a wrong lifestyle. It is important to note that these are allegations and none has been confirmed as fact.

The controversy also carries a political backdrop. Kunjamma was earlier associated with the CPI(M) and later joined the Congress. The post surfaced after Udayabhanu criticised former Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who had been expelled from the Congress over sexual misconduct allegations.

From a single social media post, the dispute has now reached a police case and a notice demanding Rs 50 lakh. Observers will be watching whether it resolves through an apology, a settlement or a legal fight in court.