Mathrubhumi had to pay a fine for writing an editorial during colonial rule. The authorities did not let Sathyabhushan Gupta, who was detained without a trial, go to his native place to perform the last rites of his mother. They said Gupta was dangerous.

Mathrubhumi reacted strongly against this human rights violation in its editorial dated September 17, 1932 and said the decision crosses all limits.

The editor and publisher of Mathrubhumi were asked to pay Rs 1,000 each. At that time, their salary was around just Rs 100. However, editor CH Kunjappa and publisher K Kelappan paid the fine.

In protest, the paper stopped the editorial column. The rare protest lasted till January 11, 1933.