Another sub-court in Thiruvananthapuram conducted a preliminary hearing on a defamation case filed by CPI (M) leader and former Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran on Tuesday against Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan for his remarks regarding the Sabarimala gold embezzlement case.
During the hearing, Mr. Kadakampally’s counsel sought to ensure that the statement made by the Congress leader against his client would not be repeated. Being labeled a “gold thief” had apparently caused him mental distress, he added.
In view of the submission, the court sought Mr. Satheesan’s response in this regard. His lawyer informed the court that he will submit a formal response when the case comes up for hearing next December 18.
In the defamation suit, Mr Surendran sought an apology from Mr Satheesan, an assurance that similar statements would not be made in future and compensation of ₹10 lakh for the alleged damage to his reputation.
In response to the notice, Mr. Satheesan maintained that he had not made any statement to personally offend Mr. Surendran. He clarified that his remarks were based on his own understanding formed after reports of the alleged theft of gold plating emerged and that he still stands by that position.
He also referred to observations by the Kerala High Court, which raised the possibility that the gold plates covering the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala may have been misappropriated.
Published – 16 Dec 2025 20:06 IST
