A legal storm has erupted in Kerala after a television program allegedly made what the Communist Party of India (CPI) calls "serious and baseless" remarks against the party and former Chief Minister C. Achutha Menon. Advocate M. Salahudeen issued the notice on behalf of Rajaji Mathew Thomas, a CPI national council member, demanding immediate retraction and a public apology.

Key facts

  • Notice issued to advocate Jija James Mathew Kandathil and private channel
  • Allegations broadcast during live program on September 4, 2026
  • Claims CPI received office in Madras for Mullaperiyar agreement renewal
  • C. Achutha Menon described as "the most corrupt man"
  • ₹1 crore compensation demanded

The Controversial Broadcast

The legal notice centers on a live program aired September 4 where Kandathil allegedly claimed the CPI had received an office in Madras as consideration for renewing the Mullaperiyar agreement. The notice contends these allegations lack credible factual basis and were designed to damage the party's reputation. Even more personally, the program reportedly described former CM Achutha Menon—a respected figure in Kerala politics—as "the most corrupt man," a characterization that has sparked particular outrage.

Legal Demands and Next Steps

The notice doesn't mince words about what it wants: immediate withdrawal of the allegations, removal of all program videos, an unconditional public apology, disclosure of any documents supporting the claims, and payment of ₹1 crore as compensation. It argues the statements were made without adequate fact-checking, seemingly to generate social media buzz through sensationalism. For now, all eyes are on how the channel and advocate respond—whether they'll retract, apologize, or dig in for a legal fight.

Political Repercussions

This isn't just about one program. The CPI, through Thomas, is making it clear it won't let allegations about historical decisions like the Mullaperiyar agreement renewal go unchallenged. By targeting both the speaker and the channel, the notice sends a message that the party will defend its legacy—and that of its leaders—aggressively. How this plays out could affect not just those directly involved but the broader political discourse in Kerala.