Legal notice issued over alleged defamatory remarks against CPI, C. Achutha Menon

A legal notice has been issued to the defense of Jija James Mathew Kandathila and a private channel for allegedly making serious and baseless remarks against the Communist Party of India (CPI) and former Chief Minister C. Achuth Menon that were aired in a television programme.

The notice was issued by Advocate M. Salahudeen on behalf of Rajaji Mathew Thomas, Member of CPI National Council and Kerala State Executive Committee and Editor-in-Chief of Janayugom Publications Limited.

The legal notice is based on remarks allegedly made by Jija James Mathew Kandathil during a live program aired by the channel on September 4.

According to the notice, serious allegations were made during the program alleging that the CPI had received the Madras office in return for the renewal of the Mullaperiyar agreement and that the alleged benefit was secured by deceiving the people of the state.

The notice also specifically refers to former Chief Minister C. Achuth Menon’s description as “the most corrupt man”. They claim that the allegations have no credible factual basis and were made with the intention of damaging the public image of the CPI and Achutha Menon.

The notice also alleges that the statements were made without sufficient fact-checking, allegedly in an attempt to gain more traction on social media through sensational allegations.

The main demands in the notice include withdrawal of the allegations, removal of the program video and its copies, an unconditional public apology, release of documents supporting the allegations and payment of ₹1 million as compensation.

Published – 06 Sep 2026 22:03 IST