In a significant move to protect journalistic freedom, the Kerala High Court has dismissed a defamation case against the renowned newspaper, Malayala Manorama. The ruling underscores a growing concern over the misuse of defamation claims to suppress the media’s role in democracy.
Justice A. Badharudeen, presiding over the case, criticized the proliferation of frivolous defamation suits aimed at media outlets, even when their reports are factually accurate. The Court cautioned that such practices threaten the core principles of a free press and the public’s right to information.
“Hindering the press under the guise of defamation only paves the way for mob rule, not democracy,” stated the Court. Justice Badharudeen emphasized that while press freedom may face lawful restrictions, branding truthful reporting as defamatory without substantive grounds undermines this freedom.
The Court directed trial judges to be more discerning when handling defamation complaints against media entities, stressing that such cases should be evaluated rigorously and not merely accepted at face value.
The defamation suit originated from a 2017 Malayala Manorama article detailing a municipal councillor’s actions concerning waste removal at a local ashram. The councillor contended that the report damaged his reputation, leading to legal action against the newspaper and its staff.
On July 31, the High Court ruled that the article in question was a straightforward report without malicious intent, thus dismissing the defamation claim.
