Mon Jan 06 13:55:00 UTC 2025: ## Kerala High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to DC Books Editor in Leaked Autobiography Case
**KOCHI, January 6, 2025** – The Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail on Monday to A.V. Sreekumar, senior deputy editor of DC Books, in a case involving the leaking of excerpts from the purported autobiography of CPI(M) leader E.P. Jayarajan. While granting bail, Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan noted that the leak was “humiliating and harassing” to the writer.
The court highlighted several irregularities in DC Books’ handling of the publication. The release date was announced on social media before the Palakkad by-election, and the book’s title was decided by the editorial board without the author’s consent. The court acknowledged a prima facie case against Sreekumar due to the lack of evidence suggesting the author’s approval. However, the court cleared the media of any wrongdoing, stating that DC Books’ public announcement of the release date justified their reporting.
The prosecution argued that a conspiracy involving media outlets had humiliated Mr. Jayarajan, who had not consented to the publication. Sreekumar’s defense claimed his role was limited to reviewing materials provided by a Deshabhimani journalist, which were then presented to the editorial board. The court ruled that the investigation could continue to determine those responsible for the leak.
First Piper 