"This is not how one fights corruption”: Supreme Court rebukes Kerala journalist over YT video targeting politician
The Supreme Court on Friday came down heavily on Kerala-based journalist Nandakumar TP during the hearing of his anticipatory bail plea in a case arising from allegedly defamatory content posted on his YouTube channel.
The Bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice KV Viswanathan questioned the journalistic intent behind using YouTube as a platform to target individuals, especially when the matter concerned alleged remarks by a former Chief Minister dating back to 2011.
“What is YouTube being used for these days?” Justice Nagarathna asked. “You think convictions or acquittals happen through YouTube videos? That’s for courts to decide," she said.
The Bench was unconvinced by the petitioner’s justification that the content merely referred to past political statements for the purpose of public discussion.
“Why say all this on YouTube? Why is your party indulging in this?” Justice Nagarathna remarked, adding, “Say something positive on YouTube. Talk about something good in Kerala, God’s own country.”
When the Counsel said the video was aimed at highlighting corruption, Justice Nagarathna responded, “This is not how one fights corruption.”
The Court granted the State three weeks to file a counter affidavit, if required, and adjourned the matter.
Interim protection from arrest, earlier granted to the journalist, will continue till the next date of hearing.
The Kerala High Court had earlier on June 9, rejected Nandakumar’s anticipatory bail plea and directed him to surrender. He is facing charges under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 67 of the IT Act for allegedly posting obscene and derogatory content targeting a woman politician.
Case Title: Nandakumar T.P. v. State of Kerala
Hearing date: July 25, 2025
Bench: Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice K V Viswanathan