AI-Generated Books For Public Libraries? Madras High Court Directs DVAC To Register FIR, Directs Freezing Of Publishers' Bank Accounts
The Madras High Court, on Tuesday (November 10), directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption to register an FIR in connection with the alleged scam in the procurement of books for public libraries. The court has also directed the authorities to take necessary steps to freeze the bank account of alleged fraudulent publishers.
The scam relates to alleged procurement of “AI-generated” books purchased for public libraries in the state. The matter came to light when renowned writer Perumal Murugan published an article exposing the incident. Later, TN School Education Minister A Rajmohan, recently accused the previous government of procuring poor quality books containing fabricated information, from a single publisher— Agal Vilakku Pathippagam.
The bench of Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice MD Sumathi passed the interim orders on a contempt petition filed by an advocate, Ramasubbu, alleging non-compliance with an earlier order of the court with respect to procurement of books for public libraries.
The court also directed the Director of Public Libraries to submit a list of officials who were responsible for the fraudulent procurement of books.
In 2024, a division bench comprising of Justice R Mahadevan and Justice GR Swaminathan had directed that procurement of books in public libraries across Tamil Nadu must be in compliance with Government Order issued by the School Education Department dated March 7, 2024.
In its earlier order, the court had also directed the Director of Public Library to maintain a dedicated, user-friendly and functional website. The court also directed that whenever it was proposed to make procurement of books, a notification must be published in the website and e-mail communications should be sent to publishers operating in Tamil Nadu who have published not less than 200 books. The court added that once the books proposed to be purchased are shortlisted, the details would have to be published in separate web page. The court had also directed the state to constitute an expert committee to look into allegations of procurement of books.
The contempt petitioner has now alleged that the officials held key administrative positions during 2024-2026 and were under a personal and official legal obligation to scrupulously comply with the directions.
Ramasubbu argued that the matter was not a routine administrative lapse or a simple monetary irregularity but a severe and calculated attempt to corrupt and destroy the educational system, literary integrity and civilisation history of the State of Tamil Nadu.
He added that by not complying with the bench's earlier direction with respect to procurement of books for public libraries, the officials have defied the orders, caused grave financial loss to the State, damaged public policy, and inflicted irreparable harm on the educational and civilisation standard of the society. He had thus sought to initiate contempt proceedings against the officials.