Tamil Nadu High Court’s Decision to Ban a book Against Freedom of Expression: Jan Hastakshep

Jan Hastakshep: Campaign Against Fascist Designs

Press Release: Thursday 8 January 2026

Tamil Nadu High Court’s Decision to Ban a book Against Freedom of Expression: Jan Hastakshep

The ban by the Madras High Court on the publication, sale and distribution of a book on the judicial process and the judge involved is against the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution and Jan Hastakshep strongly condemns it and demands immediate lifting of the ban on the book. Taking suo motu cognizance, the High Court has also initiated contempt proceedings against the publishing company Keezhaktru Publishers, which is a completely undemocratic step. The book was to be presented for release at the Chennai Book Fair starting from January 8.

This book is being considered against Justice GR Swaminathan of Madurai bench for the judgment given by Justice GR Swaminathan in the Karthikai Deepam case. The book is also being discussed on social media and a pamphlet has also been published in which a picture of the proposed book is made. It depicts Justice Swaminathan as a caricature wearing khaki colored pants, holding a saffron flag in one hand and a lamp in the other hand. The title of this book, published in Tamil language, raises the question whether Swaminathan is a judge or an RSS goon. The said judge had given the verdict on Tirupparankundram Karthikai Deepam case on 1 December 2025.

Jan Hastakshep believes that apart from re-discussion within the court, the public should also have the right to express their views, review or make critical comments on the decision given by any court or judge. Last month, the ruling party DMK in Tamil Nadu had united opposition MPs and proposed impeachment against Justice Swaminathan to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Swaminathan had initiated contempt proceedings against government officials for repeatedly violating his orders to light the Karthikai Deepam at the Deeptoon (stone pillar for lighting lamps) located on Tirupparan Kundrum hill in Madurai.

Jan Hastakshep expresses serious concern about a number of decisions being handed down by the courts in recent years. The attitude of the Supreme Court towards social and political movements and their leaders has been deeply anti-democratic. At the same time, this decisions seem to be guided by the ruling classes. Similarly, its decisions and comments related to films, literature, culture, food and customs are becoming against the fundamental rights given in the Constitution, whereas our country is full of religious, caste and regional diversity and diversities. The intellectuals, jurists and conscious citizens of the country will have to be alert about this attitude of the courts and should have a wide discussion.

Coordinator
Dr. Vikas Bajpai, JNU
Co. Coordinator
Anil Dubey, senior journalist