Kochi: In a major relief to Malayalam online journalist Shajan Skariah, the Supreme Court on Monday prevented his arrest under SC/ST Act over making alleged defamatory remarks against P V Sreenijin, MLA of the CPM, media reports said.
The division bench headed by the Chief Justice said the news reports broadcast by Skaria’s YouTube channel Marunadan Malayalee, were not offenses under the SC/ST Act, the reports said.
The Apex Court verdict came on a special leave petition filed by Skariah challenging Kerala High Court order dismissing his appeal against a lower court’s decision to reject his anticipatory bail.
The court directed Skariah to be more restrained in his comments as a senior journalist, the reports said.
The case relates to Skaria’s reports regarding alleged mal-administration of Sports Hostel by Sreenijin in his capacity as the Chairman, District Sports Council.
The FIR was registered on a complaint lodged by Sreenijin.
SC’s relief for Shajan Skariah
