The Madras High Court granted permission for an advocate to file a motion to prevent the release of a Tamil book that allegedly depicts Justice G. R. Swaminathan as a sympathizer of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) due to his ruling in the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam case. The First Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan, agreed to urgently address the matter as requested by advocate B. Jagannath. The advocate raised concerns over the book’s impending release in Chennai, prompting swift judicial action.
The Bench acknowledged the gravity of the situation and summoned Advocate General P.S. Raman and Additional Solicitor General AR.L. Sundaresan for a further hearing during the afternoon session. It was highlighted that the issue involved personal attacks on a sitting judge for decisions made in the course of his judicial responsibilities. The Advocate General expressed reservations about directly involving himself in the case, citing potential implications of criminal contempt of court under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
During the proceedings, the Advocate General indicated that he might not be the appropriate authority to directly engage in the matter and mentioned the role of the Advocate General as the statutory figure for authorizing contempt proceedings. He informed the court of his intention to delegate representation to one of the Additional Advocates General for the State’s participation in the afternoon hearing. In response, the Bench instructed advocate Jagannath to inform the Additional Solicitor General to ensure his presence at the hearing.
Advocate Jagannath presented a pamphlet to the court during the discussion, which was reportedly widely circulated on social media. The pamphlet featured the book’s cover image portraying Justice Swaminathan in a controversial manner, dressed in khaki half-trousers, holding a saffron flag and a lamp (deepam). The book’s Tamil title questioned Justice Swaminathan’s judicial integrity, labeling him as “a judge or an RSS rowdy” and announced its availability at the Chennai Book Fair 2026 for Rs 30. The advocate argued against the personal vilification of the judge concerning his December 1, 2025, ruling on the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam issue, urging the court to prevent such attacks on the judiciary.
Following the advocate’s submission, the Chief Justice instructed him to formally file a petition promptly, scheduling the matter for a later hearing on the same day.
