Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Kerala Sends Legal Notice to BJP Leader and News Channel Over “False” Red Fort Blast Claim
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Kerala has issued a legal notice to former BJP state president K. Surendran, the editor of Manorama News, its parent company MM TV Ltd., and a programme reporter. The notice accuses them of falsely linking the organisation to the Red Fort blast during a televised discussion.
The notice, sent by Advocate Ameen Hasan K. K. on behalf of JIH Kerala secretary Shahab Pookottur, states that Surendran made “baseless and defamatory” remarks during a Manorama News public programme. Surendran allegedly asked, “Who carried out the Red Fort blast? Was it not Jamaat-e-Islami? It was Jamaat-e-Islami that bombed the Red Fort.”
These comments were broadcast on Manorama News, uploaded to the channel’s YouTube page, and also shared on Surendran’s Facebook page. According to the notice, the allegation is “completely false, fabricated, and made with the intention of damaging the organisation’s reputation.” Advocate Hasan added that the remarks were an attempt to stir communal hatred and promote Islamophobia for political gain ahead of the local body elections.
JIH stated that the comments caused serious harm to its public image and inflicted mental distress on its members and the general public. After the broadcast, several people reportedly contacted the organisation seeking clarification.
The legal notice names not only Surendran but also Manorama News editor Johnny Lukose, MM TV Ltd., and programme reporter M. R. Harikumar as respondents. It argues that the statements amount to an offence under Section 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, making both Surendran and Manorama News liable for civil and criminal consequences.
JIH has demanded an unconditional apology, immediate withdrawal of the remarks, and ₹1 crore in compensation.
The notice warns that if the demands are not met within seven days, the organisation will initiate legal proceedings, and all related costs will be borne by the respondents. Speaking to the media, Advocate Hasan said, “If they do not retract their false statements and apologise, we have instructions to proceed with civil and criminal action.”
