Madras HC stays release of book maligning Justice GR Swaminathan

The Madras High Court on Wednesday stayed the release and circulation of a book maligning Justice GR Swaminathan, saying that the matter raises serious concerns relating to the dignity and institutional authority of the judiciary. A Bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava and Justice Arul Murugan passed the order. The Court further initiated contempt proceedings against Keezhaikaatru Publishers, which published the book, and ordered the seizure of the offending books.

The Bench held “Having perused the said document, which is said to be the title page/front page of the book proposed to be released/published on January 8, 2026, at the opening of Chennai Book Fair, at once, would show that the pictorial representation, the caricature and the expressions/words used are not only highly derogatory, but virtually abusive. The pictorial representation directly points out with face and name of a sitting Judge of this Court.”

During the hearing, the Court took note of the book’s title and the visual portrayal on its cover, and observed that such presentation appeared intended to ridicule a sitting judge rather than offer legitimate criticism. The Court indicated that the use of a provocative title and caricatured depiction crossed permissible limits and raised serious concerns about undermining the dignity of the judiciary.

The Bench noted that while criticism of judgments is permissible, personal attacks on judges — particularly through mocking visuals and language — could not be justified under the guise of free speech. It was observed that scandalising a sitting judge through publications has a direct bearing on public confidence in the institution of the judiciary.

The Court was also informed that the publisher had been allotted stalls at the Chennai Book Fair scheduled to commence on January 8, 2026, and that the book was proposed to be displayed and sold at the venue.

Taking note of the imminent public circulation, the Court held that allowing the book to be released at this stage could cause irreparable harm.

Accordingly, the High Court passed an interim order staying the release, circulation and sale of the book. The Court further directed the police authorities to ensure that the book is not displayed or sold at the Chennai Book Fair until further orders.

The writ petition was filed by Advocate P Naveenprasad, who has urged the Court to direct State authorities to seize copies of the book titled ‘Thirupparankundran Affair: Is GRS a Judge or …’. The petitioner also sought orders to restrain the book’s display or sale at public forums, including the upcoming Chennai Book Fair scheduled to commence on January 8, 2026.

According to the petitioner, the book is directed against Justice GR Swaminathan and that the very title and cover design of the publication are “scandalous, abusive and derogatory.” The PIL said that the cover page portrays the judge in a mocking and distasteful manner, with a clear intent to insult both the individual judge and the institution of the judiciary.

The petition states that the language and presentation of the book are per se, contemptuous and calculated to lower public confidence in the judiciary.