Discussing a book that is available in the market is not derogatory : Kerala HC

A news Channel broadcasted a programme based on a book that criticised Mata Amrutanandamayi

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – Mata Amrutanandamayi better known as ‘Amma’ was criticised in a book and a news channel broadcasted a programme based on that book. A devotee of Mata Amrutanandamayi filed a complaint against the channel and the matter was being heard in the Kerala High Court. The Court dismissed the case while observing that, ‘A programme to discuss a book available in the market is not derogatory. Media can discuss books available in the market and it is called valid critic. This comes under the heading of freedom of expression.’

1. The High Court said, it is not known if Mata Amrutanandamayi or her muth had filed any complaint against the book. They are at liberty to do so.

2. Prakash, Executive Director of the channel, and M V Nikesh Kumar, Director and Chief Editor, were also named in the case. The case was filed in 2014 for broadcasting a programme against amma and her ashram.

3. The concerned channel had criticised amma and her ashram in its programme called ‘Big Story’. This programme was based on the book ‘Holy Hell’ written by Gail Tredwell.