Senior CPI(M) leader A.K. Balan has refused to apologise or pay damages as demanded by Jamaat-e-Islami over his alleged defamatory remarks. He had claimed that if the United Democratic Front (UDF) returned to power in Kerala, the Home department would effectively be controlled by Jamaat-e-Islami and that the Marad riot could be repeated. In response, the Jamaat-e-Islami sent Mr. Balan a legal notice, seeking an apology and ₹1 crore in compensation. Mr. Balan said he would not apologise and would willingly go to jail if that were the final outcome. He said he was no stranger to legal proceedings. He accused Jamaat-e-Islami of attempting to portray him as having an anti-minority mindset. Published – January 10, 2026 09:13 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation The hassle of getting to the Pallavaram station CM to inaugurate Sangolli Rayanna museum in Nandagad on Jan. 19