NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has granted interim protection from arrest to Shajan Skariah, the editor of the Malayalam news portal 'Marunadan Malayali'. Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud stated that the case against Shajan Skariah does not fall under the ambit of the SC/ST Atrocities Act. He upheld the contention that Shajan Skariah had made defamatory remarks. Moreover, the apex court issued a notice to the state government in the case. The court will hear the case again after three weeks.

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that the court is considering the freedom of the senior media worker. The Chief Justice asked the lawyers to advise Shajan Skariah to control his words. Shajan Skariah approached the Supreme Court after the High Court rejected his bail plea. The police registered a case against Shajan Skariah on a complaint filed by PV Srinijin MLA alleging that he had given defamatory news. Shajan Skariah had pointed out in the anticipatory bail application that Srinijin is a representative of the people and is subject to criticism.