Kerala High Court Protects Journalist Facing Death Threats After Program On Islamic Scholar Kanthapuram's Remarks On Women Rights
The Kerala High Court on Monday (September 14) granted police protection to Big TV journalist Aparna Kurup, who allegedly received death threats and cyber attacks after anchoring a channel discussion relating to a public statement made by Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musaliar on women's rights.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas directed SHO Ernakulam South Police Station to afford adequate protection to the petitioner's life as well as her residential apartment.
The SHO was further ordered to ensure that the law and order situation in the vicinity of petitioner's residence is maintained without any sort of obstruction or interference from any person till the disposal of the plea.
Kurup is a senior journalist working as Sr. Coordinating Editor with Big TV Channel. According to the plea, she anchored a channel discussion 'Big Dialogue' relating to Kanthapuram's statement on women's rights. Though the discussion was purely journalistic in nature, made in exercise of the freedom of press under Article 19(1)(a), she faced severe and vicious cyber attacks, it is stated.
It is further stated that she has been facing obscene abuses, threats to life, threats to rape and kill, and calls for physical assault through social media platforms. Moreover, the abusers have published her residential address and photographs in social media platforms, it is stated.
Though she preferred a criminal complaint, the threats did not cease and instead, got aggravated. She then approached the SHO with a representation for police protection.
"The Petitioner reliably understands that cadres of certain Islamic fundamentalist organizations including SDPI are actively instigating and sharing the Petitioner's personal details, calling for a protest in front of her house and for physical harm...The Petitioner has credible and reasonable apprehension that the threats will translate into actual physical violence at any time, especially during night hours," the plea states.
She has prayed for police protection to her and her son's life and property, including her residence. Further, a direction is sought to the City Police Commissioner to conduct a threat assessment and to take all necessary steps to ensure that no physical harm is caused to her. Additionally, she prays for a direction for effective investigation of the crime registered pursuant to her complaint.
The case will be taken up again on October 26 for further consideration.
The petition is moved by Advocates Mansoor B.H., Sakeena Beegum
Case No: WP(C) 31281/2026
Case Title: Aparna Kurup v. State of Kerala and Ors.