CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan Sends Legal Notice to Malayala Manorama Over Fake News Report; Seeks ₹1 Crore in Damages

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan has initiated legal action against Malayala Manorama newspaper demanding ₹1 crore in compensation for defamation for publishing what he has termed a completely false and baseless report that defames him and the party leadership.

The legal notice targets a report published on page 7 of the Malayala Manorama daily edition dated June 14, 2026, under the headline "Govindan says no change in leadership; talk of replacing him and Pinarayi is mere delusion." The notice, sent through Advocate Pallichal S K Pramod, states that the report is entirely fabricated and without any factual basis.

The notice demands that Manorama publish an unconditional apology within seven days of receipt, and immediately remove the report from all online editions and social media accounts. It warns that failure to comply will result in strong defamation proceedings under both civil and criminal law.

The notice has been addressed to Manorama Chief Editor Mammen Mathew, Editorial Director Jose Panachippuram, and Thiruvananthapuram Bureau Chief Sujit Nair.