Kerala Police Book Journalist After She Criticised Cleric’s Remarks on Women’s Rights

Kerala Police have reportedly registered a case against Aparna Kurup, senior coordinating editor and journalist at Malayalam news channel BIG TV, after she criticised remarks made by Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar about women’s freedom during a television debate. The cleric had reportedly said that women should remain within their homes and that their presence in public spaces could lead to serious consequences for society. Kurup questioned and criticised these views during the programme.

The controversy reportedly intensified after the debate was broadcast. BIG TV removed videos related to the programme from its social media platforms, and Kurup was reportedly asked to apologise. She later approached the Kerala Police after allegedly receiving repeated death threats through social media. However, the Kerala Police reportedly registered a case against her over allegations of hurting religious sentiments. The development has sparked a wider debate over freedom of expression, women’s rights and the safety of journalists. Social media users and commentators have also questioned the alleged silence of activists who regularly speak about gender equality and freedom of expression.