The Madras High Court has raised serious questions regarding the procurement policies of Tamil Nadu’s public library system, specifically asking why a translated edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” was excluded from library shelves. According to LiveLaw, the bench comprising Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice MD Sumathi expressed surprise that the book, known in Tamil as “Manathin Kural,” was not purchased despite a recommendation from an expert committee. Instead, the court noted that books by publishers currently accused in a procurement scam were deemed suitable for acquisition.
The inquiry is part of a contempt petition concerning an alleged scam involving the purchase of books for public libraries across the state. During the hearing on Wednesday, November 11, Justice Swaminathan highlighted the discrepancy in the selection process. He asked why the Prime Minister’s work was rejected while books by publishers facing legal scrutiny were found worthy. The court recorded that an expert committee member had alerted them to the rejection of the Prime Minister’s book, prompting the judges to seek clarification from the Director of Public Libraries, who reportedly remained silent on the matter.
The broader case involves allegations that the state procured AI-generated books at high prices. In previous proceedings, the court had directed the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register a First Information Report (FIR) against those involved and freeze the bank accounts of the accused publishers. The court also ordered departmental action against officials linked to the alleged irregularities.
During the latest session, the DVAC informed the court that an enquiry had commenced and documents were being gathered. The agency requested four days to file a structured FIR rather than an omnibus one. The Director of the Directorate of Public Libraries (DPL) committed to submitting the particulars of officers involved by Monday. The court adjourned the hearing to allow these submissions.
In its order, the court emphasized that no individual had been pre-judged or condemned, stating that it would not conclude any person was guilty of a wilful breach of judicial orders without providing the fullest opportunity. The judges insisted that all officials associated with the alleged scam must be held accountable. The petition is represented by Senior Counsel K.P.S. Palanivel Rajan, while the respondents are represented by Additional Advocate General B. Saravanan and State Public Prosecutor John Sathyan.