An Additional Sub Court in Thiruvananthapuram conducted a preliminary hearing of the defamation suit filed by CPI (M) leader and former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran against Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan for his remarks pertaining to the Sabarimala gold misappropriation case on Tuesday.
During the hearing, Mr. Kadakampally’s counsel sought an assurance that the statement made by the Congress leader against his client would not be repeated. Branding him as a “gold thief” had apparently caused him mental distress, he added.
Considering the submission, the court asked for Mr. Satheesan’s response in this regard. His advocate informed that court that he would submit a formal response when the case was next heard on December 18.
In the defamation suit, Mr. Surendran has sought an apology from Mr. Satheesan, an assurance that similar statements would not be made in the future, and compensation of ₹10 lakh for alleged damage to his reputation.
Replying to the notice, Mr. Satheesan had maintained that he had not made any statement intended to personally insult Mr. Surendran. He clarified that his remarks were based on his own understanding formed after news reports emerged regarding the alleged gold plating theft and that he continued to stand by that position.
He also referred to observations made by the Kerala High Court, which flagged the possibility that the gold plates covering the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala might have been misappropriated.
Published – December 16, 2025 08:06 pm IST
