The Madras High Court directed police to seize a book carrying offensive remarks and objectionable depictions against a sitting judge. Planned for a city book fair on January 8, it allegedly targeted Justice G. R. Swaminathan, the petitioner said.
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court directed the police to seize copies of a book alleged to contain offensive remarks and objectionable pictorial depictions targeting a sitting judge of the court.
This book was slated to be featured at a stall during a city book fair on January 8 and specifically targeted Justice G. R. Swaminathan, as noted by the petitioner.
The First Bench, Consisting of Chief Justice M. M. Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan, issued this directive while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) submitted by advocate P. Naveenprasad.
Background of the Case:
The book titled “Thirupparankundram Issue – Is G.R. Swaminathan a Judge or an RSS Rowdy?” was set to launch on January 8, 2026, and was scheduled for display and sale at the Chennai Book Fair 2026. The High Court expressed concerns that allowing the book’s release could lead to irreparable damage to public trust in the judiciary.
The Madras High Court granted a stay on the release, circulation, and sale of this Tamil book, which was accused of containing personal and scandalous attacks against Justice G.R. Swaminathan. The court observed that the publication raised significant issues regarding the dignity and institutional integrity of the judiciary.
Earlier, The court also initiated contempt proceedings against the book’s publisher, Keezhaikaatru Publishers, and ordered the seizure of all objectionable copies.
During the hearing, the Bench reviewed the book’s title and cover design, which allegedly features a mocking caricature of Justice Swaminathan dressed in khaki shorts, holding a saffron flag and a lamp (deepam). The court noted that such visual representation and language seemed aimed at ridiculing and scandalizing a sitting judge, rather than providing permissible critique of a judicial ruling.
While reaffirming that criticism of judgments is protected by the Constitution, the Bench clarified that personal attacks on judges, especially through derogatory images and provocative language, cannot be validated under the guise of free speech.
Earlier, the court remarked that,
“Scandalising a sitting judge through such publications has a direct bearing on the public’s confidence in the judiciary,”
Court’s Observation:
The court gave an urgent notice to the 5th publisher (Keezhaikaatru Publishers) to responded to within three weeks.
The bench expressed strong disapproval, stating,
“On the basis of the material which we find in the petition, we are inclined to initiate suo motu criminal contempt against the 5th respondent”.
The counsel representing the State was instructed to take immediate action to prevent the publication and distribution of any material that could potentially scandalize the judiciary.
The court also noted that,
“on the face of it, the proposed release of the book as titled and shown in the petition was highly derogatory and abusive and crosses all limits and needs to be dealt with stern hands by the Court.”
The bench further directed the police to undertake necessary actions, including the seizure of such objectionable publications and related digital content if needed.
The case is set for further hearing on January 28, with the court instructing the State Counsel to provide a compliance report by that date.