Coimbatore: A controversy over the alleged purchase of nearly 1,800 questionable books by a newly inaugurated public library in Tamil Nadu has prompted the Madras High Court to order an investigation by the state’s anti-corruption agency.
The case centres on Periyar Arivulagam, a seven-storey library and science centre in Coimbatore, built at an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore and inaugurated by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on October 16.
The issue came to light after Tamil novelist Perumal Murugan questioned the authenticity of books stocked in the library’s Tamil section. He alleged that several titles supplied by a relatively unknown publisher, Agal Vilakku Pathippagam, contained unfamiliar author names, questionable ISBN details and unusually high prices.
One disputed publication, reportedly priced at Rs 1,445 for 300 pages, describes the classical Tamil literary work Naladiyar as the creation of a poet and philosopher, although it is a collection of 400 ethical verses. Another book allegedly misattributes the ancient Tamil poem Madurai Kanchi.
Concerns have also emerged over a publication titled Democracy and People’s Rights in the Contemporary World, which carries economist Jean Drèze’s name. Drèze has reportedly denied writing the book.
The High Court has directed an investigation into the purchases and ordered the freezing of bank accounts linked to the publisher under scrutiny. However, the use of artificial intelligence in producing the disputed books has not yet been established.
Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister A Rajmohan said 523 books had also been withdrawn from Chennai’s Connemara Public Library following preliminary checks. Disputed titles have been removed from Periyar Arivulagam as well.
Meanwhile, over 160 writers, academics and publishers have demanded an independent inquiry, disclosure of procurement records and an audit of public libraries across the state.
