Kerala Court Grants Temporary Injunction Against Reporter TV In Kitex MD's Defamation Suit

A court in Perumbavoor, Kerala has recently passed an ad-interim injunction restraining Reporter TV, its directors, and reporters from publishing or republishing defamatory content against Sabu M. Jacob, Managing Director of Kitex Garments Limited.

A coram of Civil Judge (Senior Division) Annie Varghese observed that a prima facie case had been made out and held that issuing notice would delay and defeat the purpose of the petition.

“ I am satisfied that a prima facie case had been made out that respondent Nos.1 to 17 had published defamatory content against the petitioner and Kitex Group of companies. “ it observed

Jacob filed the suit alleging that Reporter TV and its directors and reporters had published defamatory imputations against him through its Malayalam television channel and associated digital and social media platforms.

According to the plaint, the videos falsely propagated that he aligned his political party Twenty20 with the NDA coalition due to an imminent threat of arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.

The broadcasts also allegedly accused him and the Kitex Group of Companies of financial fraud, tax evasion, money laundering and regulatory violations. They further suggested that the political alignment was intended to protect his business interests and avoid proceedings by the Enforcement Directorate.

Jacob contended that the allegations were false and frivolous. He stated that they were made with mala fide intent to tarnish his reputation and cause serious reputational injury to his business and political life.

The court recorded that a legal notice had been issued to all the respondents however, no reply was ever recieved. 

The court restrained the channel, directors and its reporters from making, writing, uploading, distributing or in any manner publishing or re-publishing any defamatory content or statements concerning Jacob and the Kitex Group of Companies. The restraint applies through any platform or media, including digital platforms, print and satellite television.

The suit also seeks directions against several social media intermediaries including Google LLC, Google India Private Limited and Meta Platforms Inc., to take down the impugned videos or make them private.

At this stage, the court granted ad-interim relief only against Reporter TV, its company, management and editorial team. The petitioner has been directed to comply with Order XXXIX Rule 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

The matter is posted to March 10, 2026 for return of notice.

For Petitioner: Senior Advocates Joseph Kodianthara, Santhosh Mathew, Advocates Vijay V.Paul, Ajay V.Anand, Uthara P.V, Alphin Antony A, Abel Antony, Rojit Zachariah, Angela Elsa John and Radhika Prasad