Suit likely against TP Senkumar

Thiruvananthapuram: State police chief Loknath Behera has sought legal opinion on two petitions against his predecessor T. P. Senkumar alleging attempt to trigger communal tension. Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) and Kerala Congress (Scaria Thomas) faction had lodged petitions with him and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the controversial remarks of Mr Senkumar in an interview to a magazine and statements at a public function relating to the presence of Love Jihad in Kerala and increasing Muslim population.  

According to sources, the legal officer at the police headquarters gave a preliminary opinion that a case could be registered. However, Mr Behera preferred to seek advice from senior lawyers on whether his statements amounted to triggering communal tensions and the scope of registering a case. Some CPM leaders, including state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, had also demanded legal action against Mr Senkumar for the controversial statements. The petitioners maintained that even the court had earlier denied reports of Love Jihad. The demand is to register a case invoking section 153-A of Indian Penal Code for promoting enmity. It could attract up to five years in jail.

Meanwhile, senior Supreme Court lawyer Dushyant Dave, who appeared for Mr Senkumar in the case regarding his reappointment, also criticised him. "Had I been aware of his pro-Sangh Parivar stand, I would not have appeared for him in the court. I really felt deep pain over Mr Senkumar's statements," he told a section of media.