Kerala High Court quashes criminal proceedings against Mathrubhumi TV journalists for undercover operation

AG Korah had accused Mathrubhumi TV reporter Jaison, cameraman Mangosh, news anchor Smruthi Paruthikadan and senior Mathrubhumi officials of defaming him by spreading bribery allegations in a news programme.

The charges against Mathrabhumi and his associates were criminal defamation under Sections 501 and 502 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and criminal conspiracy under Section 120B of the IPC.

The news channel had conducted a sting operation in which Jaison posed as a miner seeking a mining permit. Korah allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000, which was recorded and broadcast by Mathrubhumi TV.

However, according to the final report of the Anti-Corruption Monitoring Office, it could not find sufficient evidence to prosecute Korah.

The investigation found that although footage from the undercover operation showed suspected bribes being deposited in a suitcase, there was no conclusive evidence that the money was related to the granting of the mining license.

In addition, the news channel was unable to produce the original camera or memory card used in the operation as the camera and memory card were damaged, which further weakens the case. Even the investigation into Korah’s assets did not reveal any evidence that he was involved in bribery cases.