Published Nov 10, 2026 | 6:50 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 10, 2026 | 6:50 PM
The controversy over the procurement of books for Coimbatore's Periyar Arivulagam has escalated into a major political confrontation.
Synopsis: DMK legal wing joint secretary E Parandhaman has approached the Madras High Court seeking a direction to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register an FIR and investigate alleged irregularities in the purchase of books for the Periyar Knowledge Centre in Coimbatore. The petitioner alleged that a large number of books, purportedly generated using artificial intelligence, were purchased from Akal Vilakku and Phoenix publishing houses.
DMK legal wing joint secretary E Parandhaman has approached the Madras High Court seeking a direction to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register a case and investigate alleged irregularities in the procurement of books for the Periyar Knowledge Centre in Coimbatore.
In his petition, filed through advocate Damodharan, Parandhaman stated that ₹50 crore had been allocated for purchasing books for the centre, which was inaugurated on 16 October.
According to the petition, a 117-member book recommendation committee was constituted through a government order in November 2025 to recommend books for procurement.
However, the petitioner alleged that a large number of books, purportedly generated using artificial intelligence (AI), were purchased from Akal Vilakku and Phoenix publishing houses.
The petition also raised questions over the procurement of 162 books in just six months from a single author, Monica Ravi. Hundreds of books attributed to authors named Lakshmi Mohan, Thamarai Panneer, Thamarai Murali and Jothi Hariharan were also allegedly purchased. The petitioner questioned whether these authors actually existed.
The procurement orders were reportedly issued in February this year.
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The petition further referred to allegations raised by writer Perumal Murugan, who was a member of the book recommendation committee. He had reportedly highlighted that 1,800 books from Akal Vilakku Publications had been purchased for the Periyar Knowledge Centre.
The alleged irregularities triggered criticism from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and leaders of several political parties. The School Education Minister has also announced the formation of a committee to conduct an inquiry into the matter.
Parandhaman stated that he had submitted a complaint to the DVAC on 7 November, seeking registration of a criminal case and an investigation into the alleged large-scale irregularities. However, no FIR had been registered so far, he claimed.
He argued that the administrative inquiry ordered by the government was insufficient and called for an impartial investigation into the allegations.
The petitioner has sought directions to the DVAC to register an FIR based on his complaint, investigate the alleged procurement irregularities, and seize and preserve all relevant documents and files relating to the purchase of books for the Periyar Knowledge Centre.
The case is expected to come up for hearing before the Madras High Court shortly.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
