Even as preparations are underway for the 49th Chennai Book Fair, a controversy has emerged over the inclusion of a book that is derogatory and defamatory in nature. The book, whose cover caricatures sitting Madras High Court Justice GR Swaminathan, is scheduled to be sold at the upcoming fair, raising serious questions about the extent to which the Dravidianists will go to derogate a sitting judge who has been delivering fair judgements all through his career so far, especially surrounding the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam row.
The book titled “Thirupparankundram Issue: GR Swaminathan – Judge or RSS rowdy?”, priced at ₹30, portrays Justice Swaminathan in a highly derogatory manner. The depiction goes beyond critique and amounts to personal vilification of a constitutional authority, undermining the dignity of the judiciary.
The controversy has surfaced just days after office-bearers of the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI) announced details of the book fair at a press conference held at the Chennai Press Club. BAPASI president Shanmugam and secretary Vairavan had outlined the scale of the event, which is set to be held at the Nandanam YMCA Grounds from 8 January to 21 January 2026, with Chief Minister MK Stalin scheduled to inaugurate it.
While organisers highlighted plans for over 1,000 stalls, participation by leading Indian and international publishers, and expectations of attracting up to 25 lakh visitors, the presence of the derogatory book has shifted focus from literary celebration to propaganda peddling. Allowing such material to be sold at a major public book fair lends legitimacy to personal attacks on judges and risks normalising defamatory content under the guise of publishing freedom.
While book fairs traditionally provide space for diverse and even dissenting views, direct targeting of serving judges through insinuation and mockery raises ethical and possibly legal issues.
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