CHENNAI: The state unit BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad on Sunday lodged a formal complaint with Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A Arun, seeking the immediate registration of an FIR against Keelaikkatru Publishing House for allegedly defaming a sitting judge, GR Swaminathan, of the Madras High Court, and urging action against scandalising the judiciary.
In the complaint, ANS Prasad alleged that a book published by Keelaikkatru, bearing the title "Thiruparankundram Affair – GR Swaminathan: Judge or RSS Rowdy?", carries a derogatory and inflammatory caricature of the judge on its cover. The illustration, he said, depicts the judge holding a trident and a saffron flag, imputing political bias and undermining judicial integrity.
The BJP leader contended that the publication was a direct and malicious attack on Justice Swaminathan's recent verdict in the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam case, delivered in early December 2025.
The book, he alleged, amounted to criminal defamation of a public servant, contempt of court, and aimed at promoting public mischief and enmity. He urged the city's top cop to book the publication under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Contempt of Courts Act.
The complaint further noted that the book is slated to be displayed and sold at stalls 172 and 173 at the upcoming 49th Chennai Book Fair at YMCA Grounds, Nandanam, giving it wide public exposure.
The BJP demanded the filing of a swift FIR, a comprehensive probe into the publication and its motives, immediate steps to halt its sale and display, and an investigation into any political or motivated conspiracy behind the release. Prasad said such action was essential to protect judicial independence and uphold constitutional values.