Court Directs Immediate Police Action to Prevent Publication and Circulation of Scandalous Content
In a significant move underscoring the judiciary's commitment to maintaining its integrity and public confidence, the Madras High Court has initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against a publisher for attempting to release a book containing derogatory and scandalous content about a sitting judge of the court. The judgment was delivered by a bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan on January 7, 2026.
The case arose when a petition brought to the court's attention that a book, slated for release at the Chennai Book Fair on January 8, 2026, contained abusive and highly derogatory language, along with a caricature targeting a sitting judge. The book, associated with the 5th respondent, a publisher who has been allotted Shop No. 173 at the fair, was perceived as an attempt to scandalise the judiciary and erode public confidence.
The court, upon reviewing the title page and content description of the book, found the material to be not only derogatory but also potentially damaging to the judiciary's reputation. The Additional Solicitor General of India and the Additional Government Pleader representing the state concurred with the court's assessment, acknowledging the content's contemptuous nature.
In response, the court ordered the police authorities to take immediate and effective measures to prevent the book's publication and distribution. This includes possible seizure of the book's content and any related materials, whether in print or electronic form. The court emphasized the need for stern action, stating that the publication crossed all acceptable limits of criticism.
Moreover, the bench has issued an emergent notice to the 5th respondent, mandating a response within three weeks. The police are also required to submit a compliance report on the directives issued by the court.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on January 28, 2026, where the court will review the compliance report and decide on subsequent actions. This judgment highlights the judiciary's proactive stance in safeguarding its dignity and ensuring that any attempts to undermine the judicial system are met with strict legal consequences.
Bottom Line:
Initiating suo motu criminal contempt against a publisher for releasing a book containing derogatory and scandalous content about a sitting Judge of the Court.
Statutory provision(s): Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 Sections 2(c), 15
P. Naveenprasad v. Home Secretary State of Tamil Nadu, (Madras)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2833908
