VD Satheeshan Says He Had No Involvement In Spreading Fake News Against Kadakampally Surendran

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Leader VD Satheeshan, in a defamation case filed against him by MLA Kadakampally Surendran, told the court that he had no role in insulting the MLA and denied any involvement in circulating fake news or negative publicity targeting him. The case arises from remarks linking Kadakampally to the sale of the Sabarimala Dwarapalaka idol’s gold plates. Satheeshan had alleged that Kadakampally Surendran was aware of the buyers of the gold plates.

During proceedings, Kadakampally’s lawyer noted that media reports included matters not yet raised in court. Responding, Satheeshan’s lawyer said that these reports were neither authored nor circulated by Satheeshan or his office.

Earlier, Satheeshan had submitted an affidavit stating that his remarks were made against Kadakampally under the privileges of his position as Opposition Leader. Kadakampally’s counsel countered that the post of Opposition Leader is not a constitutional position, citing relevant High Court orders. The lawyer also noted that none of these orders referred to Satheeshan’s allegations or mentioned Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan or Kadakampally Surendran in connection with the Sabarimala gold plate case. Satheeshan did not provide copies of any High Court orders, which the counsel argued was an attempt to mislead the court.

Satheeshan maintained that he had conducted his own investigation before making the allegations. However, he has not presented any investigation reports or supporting evidence in court. Despite repeated challenges from Kadakampally’s side, no evidence has been produced to substantiate the claims.

The allegations were originally made on October 8, with Kadakampally filing the defamation case on October 25. The eighth hearing was held today, and the case has been adjourned to January 5 for further arguments.