CPI(M) leader seeks ₹50 lakh damages over defamatory Facebook post in Kerala
Synopsis
A CPI(M) state committee member in Kerala has slapped a ₹50 lakh legal notice on a former Communist-turned-Congress panchayat member over a Facebook post he calls defamatory — and a police case is already filed. The row, rooted in factional rivalry and triggered by a public spat over a Congress MLA's misconduct allegations, shows how social media has become a high-stakes political weapon in Kerala.
Key Takeaways
CPI(M) state committee member K.P.
Udayabhanu has issued a legal notice demanding ₹50 lakh in damages from Congress panchayat member Sreena Devi Kunjamma .
The notice demands removal of an allegedly defamatory Facebook post and a written apology within 15 days .
Adoor police have already registered a case against Kunjamma following Udayabhanu's complaint.
The post surfaced after Udayabhanu criticised former Congress Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil , who was expelled over misconduct allegations.
Sreena Devi Kunjamma was formerly with the CPI before joining the Congress .
CPI(M) state committee member K.P. Udayabhanu has issued a legal notice to Congress leader Sreena Devi Kunjamma, a Pathanamthitta district panchayat member, demanding ₹50 lakh in damages over a Facebook post he alleges was defamatory. The notice, served in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, requires Kunjamma to remove the post, issue a written apology, and respond within 15 days.
What the Facebook Post Alleged
The post at the centre of the dispute raised questions about Udayabhanu's conduct during his tenure as president of the Pathanamthitta district panchayat. Kunjamma allegedly claimed that he had visited the residence of a woman panchayat employee in Peringanad, purportedly to discuss official matters. The post also questioned the vehicle he currently uses and included other personal allegations, according to the legal notice. These allegations remain unverified claims and have not been established as facts.
Police Case and Legal Action
The Adoor police had earlier registered a case against Sreena Devi Kunjamma following a complaint filed by Udayabhanu. According to the FIR, the complaint alleged an attempt to tarnish his public activities and portray him as leading a promiscuous life. Udayabhanu has described the claims as false and defamatory, and has now escalated the matter with a formal legal notice demanding monetary damages.
The Political Backdrop
The dispute carries a layered political context. Sreena Devi Kunjamma was previously associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) before joining the Indian National Congress. Notably, the controversial Facebook post reportedly surfaced after Udayabhanu publicly criticised former Congress Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who was expelled from the party following allegations of sexual misconduct. Critics argue that the timing suggests the post was a politically motivated response.
What Happens Next
With a police case already registered and a ₹50 lakh legal notice now served, the dispute could culminate in an out-of-court settlement, a written apology, or a prolonged court battle. The case illustrates the growing legal and political consequences of social media activity in Kerala's competitive party landscape, where factional rivalries between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) frequently spill into personal exchanges. All eyes are now on whether Sreena Devi Kunjamma responds within the stipulated 15-day window.
Point of View
Coming after Udayabhanu attacked the Congress over the Rahul Mamkootathil scandal, suggests a retaliatory dynamic that courts may now be asked to adjudicate. Kerala's LDF-UDF rivalry has long played out on the ground; that it now triggers police FIRs and crore-level legal notices over Facebook posts reflects a new and potentially chilling phase. Whether this ends in settlement or prolonged litigation, the precedent of weaponising defamation suits in inter-party disputes deserves scrutiny.
NationPress
22 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is K.P. Udayabhanu and what legal action has he taken?
K.P. Udayabhanu is a CPI(M) state committee member and former president of the Pathanamthitta district panchayat in Kerala. He has issued a legal notice to Congress panchayat member Sreena Devi Kunjamma demanding ₹50 lakh in damages, removal of an allegedly defamatory Facebook post, and a written apology within 15 days.
What did the Facebook post allege?
The post allegedly questioned Udayabhanu's conduct during his tenure as Pathanamthitta district panchayat president, claiming he had visited the home of a woman panchayat employee in Peringanad purportedly for official discussions. It also raised questions about the vehicle he uses and made other personal allegations, all of which remain unverified claims.
Why did the dispute arise between a CPI(M) leader and a Congress member?
The controversy reportedly emerged after Udayabhanu publicly criticised former Congress Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who was expelled from the party following misconduct allegations. The allegedly defamatory Facebook post by Kunjamma is believed to be connected to that political exchange.
Has a police case been filed in this matter?
Yes, the Adoor police registered a case against Sreena Devi Kunjamma following a complaint by Udayabhanu. According to the FIR, the complaint alleged that the post was intended to tarnish his public image and portray him as leading a promiscuous life.
What is Sreena Devi Kunjamma's political background?
Sreena Devi Kunjamma was previously associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) before joining the Indian National Congress. She currently serves as a Pathanamthitta district panchayat member under the Congress banner.
