Kerala High Court Grants Exemption to BJP State Chief Surendran in Defamation Lawsuit
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Kochi, Dec 20 (NationPress) The Kerala BJP President, K. Surendran, was granted interim relief by the High Court on Friday, allowing him to be exempted from appearing in person for a defamation lawsuit at the Ernakulam Magistrate Court. The case arose when the complainant accused the BJP leader of labeling him a "thief".
The lawsuit was initiated by T.G. Nandakumar, affectionately known as "Broker" Nandakumar, due to his frequent associations with prominent business figures and his connections with influential politicians across various parties.
Notably, Nandakumar had previously lodged defamation suits against BJP leader Anil Antony, the son of esteemed Congress figure A.K. Antony. This followed Anil Antony's accusation of Nandakumar being an "idol thief", after Nandakumar claimed that Anil Antony had received a bribe of Rs 25 lakh from him to secure a position for one of his acquaintances as a standing counsel for the CBI in the Kerala High Court.
In response to Nandakumar's allegations, Anil Antony asserted to the media that there were over 100 CBI cases pending against the complainant.
As Anil Antony's remarks gained attention, Surendran echoed similar sentiments, calling Nandakumar a thief, which provoked Nandakumar to file a defamation petition against both leaders.
On Thursday, the High Court granted Anil Antony a personal exemption, and on Friday, Surendran received the same privilege.
Nandakumar is known for courting controversy with his provocative remarks, having recently faced legal issues after BJP leader Sobha Surendran, who is contesting from the Alappuzha Lok Sabha seat, filed a lawsuit against him for his "baseless allegations". He claimed that Surendran took Rs 10 lakh as an advance for a land transaction that ultimately fell through due to documentation issues, without refunding the amount.
Nandakumar’s close ties with CPI-M stalwart E.P. Jayarajan led Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to express his discontent publicly, criticizing Jayarajan for not being mindful of the company he keeps.
