Chennai: The Madras High Court on Wednesday intervened to prevent the release, sale, or circulation of a book and pamphlet that allegedly target Justice GR Swaminathan, a sitting judge of the Court. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice Arul Murugan, directed the Tamil Nadu police to ensure that no copies of the publication were “sold, circulated, shared, displayed or released” at the upcoming Chennai Book Fair, scheduled to commence on January 8, 2026, or at any other location.

The court described the contents of the publication as “highly offensive, abusive and scandalous” and initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against the publisher. The move came after a lawyer, advocate B Jagannath, sought an urgent lunch motion to draw the court’s attention to the pamphlet, which had been circulating widely on social media.

Pamphlet Sparks Controversy

The pamphlet, which promotes the forthcoming book, features a caricature of Justice Swaminathan dressed in khaki half-trousers, holding a saffron flag and a ceremonial lamp. This imagery appeared in connection with the judge’s December 1, 2025, ruling in the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam case. Jagannath argued before the court that the publication amounted to mudslinging against the judiciary and constituted a personal attack on a sitting judge, undermining public faith in the legal system.

The pamphlet also contained the publisher’s contact details and advertised that the book would be sold at the fair for ₹30. It had generated substantial attention online, with shares and discussions on social media amplifying its reach. The Madras High Court expressed concern about the potential damage to judicial integrity that could arise from the dissemination of such material.

Court Observations on Judicial Sanctity

Taking a serious view of the matter, the bench noted that the publication was not merely scandalous but also “abusive and offensive,” emphasizing that attacks of this nature threaten the dignity of the judiciary. Chief Justice Shrivastava questioned, “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 stressed that while opinions regarding judicial decisions are permissible, personal attacks on judges are unacceptable and may amount to contempt.

Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, representing the Union government following the court’s instructions, reiterated that while individuals can hold opinions about judgments, resorting to derogatory caricatures and personal attacks on judges crosses the line of permissible expression. Sundaresan also highlighted that appeals arising from the Thirupparankundram case had already been heard and disposed of, leaving no room for defamatory attacks as a substitute for legal recourse.

The bench advised that affected parties could approach the Supreme Court if they had grievances concerning the judgment, rather than resorting to publications that demean the judiciary.

State Government Assurances

The Tamil Nadu state government informed the court that it had no association with the pamphlet or the publisher and did not condone any attacks on judges. While the Chief Minister typically inaugurates the annual Chennai Book Fair, the government clarified that its involvement is limited to the inauguration ceremony and does not extend to the management or approval of publications at the fair.

State authorities assured the court that they would not permit the circulation of any book or pamphlet containing offensive material or caricatures targeting the judiciary. They requested that the court issue directions to the police to ensure strict enforcement, including preventing dissemination through online platforms.

Police and Enforcement Measures

Following the court’s directions, the Tamil Nadu police have been tasked with seizing all copies of the offending book and ensuring that it does not reach the public. The court also instructed officials to serve a notice on the publisher, who had been allotted two stalls—numbers 173 and 175—at the Chennai Book Fair. These directions aim to preemptively prevent the sale or distribution of the controversial material.

The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on January 22, 2026, providing the court with time to review compliance and consider additional steps if necessary.

Background of the Case

The controversy stems from Justice Swaminathan’s judgment on December 1, 2025, in the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam case. In his ruling, Justice Swaminathan, presiding over a single bench, permitted a group of temple authorities to light the ceremonial lamp atop the Thirupparankundram Hills in Madurai during the Tamil Karthigai Deepam festival. The ritual, which has been followed for decades, was opposed by the state and district administration in 2025, citing potential law and order problems.

The court directed the state to provide adequate security arrangements to allow devotees to perform the lamp-lighting ritual. However, the state failed to implement the order, leading to an appeal that was dismissed by another division bench of the Madras High Court on January 6, 2026. It is in the context of this judgment that the pamphlet and book emerged, targeting the judge personally and questioning the decision.

Legal and Societal Implications

The Madras High Court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting its members from personal attacks and ensuring that public discourse remains within the bounds of law. The court’s suo motu action against the publisher highlights the seriousness with which it views contempt of court, particularly in the form of derogatory publications.

Legal experts note that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution, it is subject to reasonable restrictions, including the preservation of judicial authority and public confidence in the courts. Publishing material that attacks judges personally, rather than critiquing judicial reasoning, falls outside the scope of protected speech and may constitute criminal contempt.

By staying the release of the book and pamphlet, the High Court has sent a strong message that individuals and publishers must exercise caution when commenting on judicial matters. It also reflects the broader responsibility of authorities to prevent the spread of content that can undermine public trust in the legal system.

Conclusion

The Madras High Court’s orders serve as a reminder that while citizens may question and challenge judicial decisions through proper legal channels, personal attacks and defamatory publications are impermissible. The directions issued to the police to prevent the sale and distribution of the book at the Chennai Book Fair and beyond aim to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and protect Justice Swaminathan from undue harassment.

As the matter proceeds to the next hearing on January 22, the court will likely examine the publisher’s response and consider further measures to safeguard judicial integrity. Meanwhile, the case has sparked discussions on the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the protection of judicial authority in a democratic society.

---