The Kerala High Court has directed the police to provide adequate protection to journalist Aparna Kurup and her residential apartment after she allegedly faced death threats, rape threats and cyber attacks following a television discussion on remarks concerning women’s rights made by Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musaliar.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas directed the fourth respondent, the Station House Officer of the Ernakulam South Police Station, to afford adequate protection to Kurup’s life and residential apartment. The police were also directed to ensure that law and order in the vicinity of her residence was maintained without obstruction or interference from any person pending disposal of the writ petition. The matter has been posted for further consideration on October 26, 2026.
Background of the Case
Petitioner Aparna Kurup, a senior journalist and Sr. Coordinating Editor with Malayalam news channel Big TV, had anchored a ‘Big Dialogue’ programme discussing remarks by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musaliar’s controversial remarks on women and their conduct in public spaces. Following the programme, she allegedly faced obscene abuse, death and rape threats on social media, with her photographs and residential address being circulated. She approached the police seeking protection amid apprehensions of physical violence, and a cybercrime case was reportedly registered. She subsequently moved the Kerala High Court seeking protection for herself, her family and property.
After hearing the matter, the High Court directed the fourth respondent to provide adequate protection to Kurup’s life and her residential apartment. The Court further ordered the police to ensure that the law and order situation around her residence was maintained without any obstruction or interference from any person while the writ petition remains pending.
