The Madras High Court stayed the release and circulation of a Tamil book allegedly making personal and derogatory attacks on Justice G.R. Swaminathan, observing that such publications raise serious concerns for judicial dignity and institutional authority.
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CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Wednesday stayed the release, circulation and sale of a Tamil book alleged to contain personal and scandalous attacks against Justice G.R. Swaminathan, observing that the publication raises serious concerns regarding the dignity and institutional authority of the judiciary.
The interim order was passed by a Division Bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan in a writ petition filed by advocate P. Naveenprasad. The Court also initiated contempt proceedings against Keezhaikaatru Publishers, the publisher of the book, and directed the seizure of all offending copies.
The book, titled “Thirupparankundram Issue – Is G.R. Swaminathan a Judge or an RSS Rowdy?”, was scheduled for release on January 8, 2026, including display and sale at the Chennai Book Fair 2026. Taking note of the imminent public circulation, the High Court held that permitting the book’s release at this stage could cause irreparable harm to public confidence in the judiciary.
Accordingly, the Court restrained the publisher from displaying or selling the book and directed police authorities to ensure that it is not exhibited at the Chennai Book Fair until further orders.
Court’s Observation
During the hearing, the Bench examined the book’s title and cover design, which allegedly depicts Justice Swaminathan in a mocking caricature, portraying him in khaki shorts, holding a saffron flag and a lamp (deepam). The Court observed that such visual portrayal and language appeared intended to ridicule and scandalise a sitting judge, rather than offer permissible criticism of a judicial verdict.
While reiterating that criticism of judgments is constitutionally protected, the Bench made it clear that personal attacks on judges, particularly through derogatory visuals and provocative language, cannot be justified under the guise of free speech.
“Scandalising a sitting judge through such publications has a direct bearing on the public’s confidence in the judiciary,”
the Court noted.
At the mentioning stage earlier in the day, the Advocate General of Tamil Nadu, P.S. Raman, informed the Court that it would be inappropriate for him to appear, as the matter borders on criminal contempt, for which he is the statutory authority to grant sanction under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. An Additional Advocate General was permitted to represent the State instead.
The Court had also directed the presence of Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan, given the seriousness of the allegations.
The Petition
The writ petition alleges that the book was published in retaliation for Justice G.R. Swaminathan’s December 1, 2025 judgment in the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam matter, and that the publication is per se contemptuous, abusive and calculated to undermine judicial authority.
The petitioner has arrayed the Home Secretary of Tamil Nadu, Director General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Chennai, the local Station House Officer, and the publisher as respondents, contending that despite representations made on January 6, no preventive action was taken by authorities.
Case Title:
Naveen Prasad v. State of Tamil Nadu
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