An unusual observation by a Madras High Court judge has drawn attention amid an ongoing controversy over alleged irregularities in the procurement of books for public libraries in Tamil Nadu. Justice G R Swaminathan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, saying it had helped bring the achievements of people from remote parts of the country into the national spotlight.
The observation came on November 11 during proceedings at the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. A Division Bench comprising Justice G R Swaminathan and Justice M D Sumathi was hearing a matter related to alleged irregularities in the purchase of books for public libraries across Tamil Nadu.
In his portion of the order, Justice Swaminathan described his reference to the programme as a "lighter remark". He noted that Mann Ki Baat had helped highlight the remarkable contributions of individuals whose achievements might otherwise have remained unnoticed.
The judge also referred to Thomas Gray's famous 18th-century poem, Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, which reflects on talented individuals whose abilities remain unrecognised because they live in remote places.
Interestingly, the programme itself became connected to the case. The judge recorded that an expert committee member had informed the court that the Tamil translation of Mann Ki Baat, titled Manathin Kural, had been recommended for purchase by public libraries but was ultimately rejected.
Questioning the decision, Justice Swaminathan asked why the recommended Tamil edition was not procured while books published by Agal Vilakku Publications were selected for public libraries.
The court also recorded that it had attempted to verify the information by questioning the Director of Public Libraries, but received no response.
The larger case concerns allegations that public libraries purchased expensive books containing questionable content, including publications suspected of being generated using artificial intelligence. The controversy gained attention after Tamil writer Perumal Murugan raised concerns about the quality, pricing and authenticity of certain books.
During the proceedings, the court directed the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register an FIR against those involved in the alleged irregularities. It also ordered the freezing of bank accounts linked to the publishers concerned. Three accounts reportedly held around Rs 22 lakh.
The DVAC informed the court that it had begun collecting documents and sought four days to prepare a structured FIR.
The court has also sought details of the officials responsible for approving the disputed purchases. The investigation is expected to establish how the books were selected and whether public funds were misused.
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