New Delhi: Madras HC stays release of book allegedly targeting Justice GR Swaminathan
The Madras High Court on Wednesday directed the Tamil Nadu police not to allow the release or sale of an allegedly derogatory pamphlet and book that targets Justice GR Swaminathan, a sitting judge of the Court, at the Chennai book fair that commences from January 8.
A bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice Arul Murugan directed the police to ensure that no copy of the publication was “sold, circulated, shared, displayed or released, at the Chennai Book Fair or anywhere else.”
Calling the contents “highly offensive, abusive and scandalous,” the court also initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against the publisher of the pamphlet and the reported book.
The court issued the directions after a lawyer, advocate B Jagannath, sought an urgent lunch motion. Jagannath showed the pamphlet to the court.
The pamphlet had been circulating widely on social media following Justice Swaminathan’s December 1, 2025 judgment in the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam case. It carries a caricature of the judge dressed in khaki half-trousers, holding a saffron flag and a ceremonial lamp.
The pamphlet also advertises a book that will be sold at the book fair for rupees 30 and lists the publisher’s name and phone number.
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Jagannath placed the pamphlet before the court and argued that the publication amounted to mudslinging against the judiciary.
The HC took a serious note of the pamphlet and said it was not just scandalous but also “abusive and offensive” and a “personal attack on a sitting judge of the Court.”
“If anyone feels aggrieved, they can appeal against the judgment. How will people view the judiciary if this is the language used against judges?” the court asked.
Additional solicitor general ARL Sundaresan, who appeared for the Union government following the court’s instruction, added that one can have opinions about a judgment, but one cannot call a presiding officer names.
He also informed the court that appeals arising from the Thirupparankundram issue already stood heard and disposed of.
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