Kerala: Oommen Chandy files suit on VS Achutanandan

Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy Thursday filed a defamation case in a local court against CPI(M) veteran V.S. Achutanandan, seeking `1 lakh compensation for levelling baseless allegations against him.

Mr Chandy also filed a complaint against the Opposition leader before the chief electoral officer, seeking an enquiry under Sections 171 (G) and 188 of the IPC for giving false statements during the campaign for the May 16 Assembly election.

The chief minister’s complaint is for violation of model code of conduct for the guidance of political parties and candidates, promulgated by the Election Commission of India.

In the suit filed before the first additional district court here, Mr Chandy said the defamatory statement before television channels and other media was “fabricated for the sole purpose of maligning plaintiff (Chandy) and the reputation he enjoys among the people of his constituency and as well as around the world and to devastate his stature and position in the party”.

Mr Chandy said the defamatory statement was “scandalous, libellous and showers sarcasm and contempt on the plaintiff”.

The chief minister said he has been in active politics for the last five decades and has over the years acquired an “impeccable reputation” among the public.