Kerala CM files defamation suit against Achutanandan

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday filed a defamation case in a local court against Communist Party of India-Marxist veteran V S Achutanandan, seeking Rs 1 lakh compensation, for levelling baseless allegations against him.

Chandy also filed a complaint against the opposition leader before the Chief Electoral officer, seeking an enquiry under Section 171 (G) and 188 of the IPC for giving false statements during the campaign for the May 16 assembly election.

The chief minister's complaint is for violation of model code of conduct for the guidance of political parties and candidates, promulgated by the Election Commission of India.

In the suit filed before the First Additional District court in Thiruvananthapuram, Chandy said the defamatory statement before television channels and other media was "fabricated for the sole purpose of maligning plaintiff (Chandy) and the reputation he enjoys among the people of his constituency and as well as around the world and to devastate his stature and position in the party".

Chandy, who is contesting as the Congress-United Democratic Front candidate from Puthupally, said the defamatory statement was 'scandalous, libellous and showers sarcasm and contempt on the plaintiff'.

The chief minister said he has been in active politics for the last five decades and has over the years acquired an 'impeccable reputation' among the public.

Achutanandan, the CPI-M-Left Democratic Front candidate from Malampuzha, had alleged that there were 136 cases before the Supreme Court against 18 cabinet ministers and 31 against the CM.

"This statement was a fabricated story and unverified allegation, baseless, concocted and defamatory," Chandy said in his complaint.

He had sought an apology from 93-year-old Achuthanandan for levelling 'blatant and false' charges against him and some of his cabinet colleagues during campaigning or face legal proceedings.

This had fallen on deaf ears and so the case had been filed, Chandy said.

The chief minister sought an injunction restraining Achutanandan from making defamatory statements against him.