Chandy files defamation suit against Achuthanandan

CM Chandy also filed a complaint against the Opposition leader before the Chief Electoral officer, seeking an enquiry into 'false statements' made by Achuthanandan during the campaign for the May 16 assembly election. CM Chandy has sought ₹one lakh as compensation from Achutanandan.

The statement in question is Achutanandan's declaration that there were 136 cases before the Supreme Court against 18 cabinet ministers and 31 against the CM personally.

In the suit filed before the First Additional District court, CM Chandy claimed that Achuthanandan's defamatory statement 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'.

CM Chandy, who is contesting as the Congress-UDF candidate from Puthupally, said the defamatory statement was 'scandalous, libellous and showers sarcasm and contempt' on someone who 'has been in active politics for the last five decades and has over the years acquired an impeccable reputation among the public'.

CM Chandy said he had sought a simple apology, but since that request had 'fallen on deaf ears', he was forced to file a case. Above everything else, the CM also sought an injunction restraining Achuthanandan from making defamatory statements against him in future as well. 

• Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy
• CPI leader VS Achutanandan
• defamation
• EC
• court