Kerala HC orders police protection to Big TV journalist facing threats after debate on Muslim scholar's remarks

The Kerala High Court on Monday ordered police protection for Aparna Kurup, a journalist with Malayalam news channel Big TV, after she faced threats for hosting a debate on certain remarks made about women by Sunni Muslim scholar Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musaliar [Aparna Kurup v State of Kerala & ors]..Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of Ernakulam Town South Police Station to provide adequate protection to Kurup."There will be a direction to the 4th respondent (police) to afford adequate protection to the petitioner’s (Aparna Kurup) life as well as her residential apartment," the Court stated.It further ordered the police to ensure that law and order is maintained around Kurup's residence without any obstruction or interference from any person..While speaking at a meeting in Kochi, Kanthapuram had recently commented that women should remain at home and avoid sharing public stages with men. The statement was made while backing a circular issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama (an organisation of Sunni scholars), which called for the restriction of women from sharing public spaces with unrelated men.The remarks drew widespread controversy. Kurup later hosted a debate titled 'Big Dialogue' on Big TV concerning Kanthapuram's statements.She asserts that this programme was a journalistic discussion conducted as an exercise of her freedom of speech and expression without any intention to hurt religious sentiments.However, soon after the program was telecast, she became the target of an organised cyber attack. She subsequently approached the police with a complaint, following which a case was registered by the Kochi Cyber Crime Police Station on September 5.She also filed a petition before the High Court seeking protection. "Obscene abuses, threats to life, threats to rape and kill, and calls for physical assault are being unleashed against the Petitioner through social media platforms. The abusers have published her residential address and photograph in social media platforms," her plea stated.Kurup submitted that such threats continued even after a criminal case was registered. She alleged that her photograph and residential details were being circulated online along with calls to protest outside her house..Kurup also sought directions for an effective investigation into the cybercrime case filed on her complaint, and for an assessment of the threats she currently faces. The Court yesterday ordered police protection for her in its interim order. The matter will be considered further on October 26, 2026.Kurup's plea was moved through advocates Mansoor BH and Sakeena Beegum..[Read Order]