A senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Tamil Nadu has reached out to the Union Home Ministry and the Ministry of Law and Justice, requesting urgent action against a publication that allegedly defames a sitting judge of the Madras High Court. The leader, A.N.S. Prasad, has objected to a book titled ‘Thiruparankundram Affair – G.R. Swaminathan: Judge or RSS Rowdy?’ for containing defamatory material targeting Justice G.R. Swaminathan.
Prasad raised concerns about the book’s cover, which features a provocative caricature of the judge with religious and political symbols. He emphasized that the content is designed to suggest political bias, ridicule the judge’s office, and erode public trust in the judiciary. The complaint is linked to a judgment by Justice Swaminathan in December 2025 regarding the traditional lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Thiruparankundram temple complex.
The representation argues that the book’s content amounts to criminal defamation and contempt of court, potentially inciting public mischief and social disharmony. Prasad highlighted that such attacks on judicial dignity threaten the core principle of judicial independence, violating constitutional provisions that prohibit public criticism of judges for their judicial actions. The urgency of the matter is underscored by the book’s planned display and sale at the 49th Chennai Book Fair.
Prasad urged the authorities to take legal action against the publisher and individuals responsible, including registering an FIR, conducting a thorough investigation, halting book sales, and considering the cancellation of the publisher’s license. The appeal is made in the interest of upholding constitutional institutions, preserving public trust in the judiciary, and ensuring national harmony.
