Overview
- The court stayed the release and distribution of the Tamil publication and directed police to seize copies and prevent sale or display at the Chennai Book Fair and elsewhere, including online.
- The bench initiated suo motu criminal contempt against Keezhaikaatru Publishers, which had been allotted stalls 173 and 175 at the fair.
- The urgent order followed a lunch-motion plea presenting a pamphlet that depicted the judge in RSS-style attire with a saffron flag and lamp and advertised a Rs 30 booklet slated for January 8.
- The judges stressed that criticism of rulings is permissible but personal attacks using mocking visuals and abusive language cross legal limits and undermine public confidence.
- The case stems from Justice G.R. Swaminathan’s December 1 order permitting the Karthigai Deepam lamp at Thirupparankundram, a decision upheld on January 6, and the matter is listed for further hearing on January 28.