Published Nov 09, 2026 | 3:00 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 09, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Coimbatore Periyar Arivulagam. (Screengrab/ MKStalin/ X)
A group of writers, publishers, researchers and academics has alleged large-scale irregularities in the procurement of books for the newly inaugurated Periyar Arivulagam in Coimbatore, claiming that around 1,800 to 2,000 fake books were purchased from two publishing houses.
In a joint statement issued on November 9, 2026, the signatories alleged that books published by ‘Agal Vilakku’ and ‘Phoenix Publications’, which they claimed operate from the same address, contained fabricated authorship and incorrectly reproduced information collected from various sources on the internet. They also alleged that these books were purchased at prices several times higher than the usual rates for books of comparable size.
The allegations came to light following Facebook posts by writer Balasubramanian Ponraj on October 17 and artist Sundaran Murugesan on October 24, followed by an article by writer Perumal Murugan published in an online magazine on November 6.
Also Read: Battle over ‘dubious’ books: TVK, DMK pass the buck; TN govt forms panel to inspect libraries
Questioning how such books passed through the procurement process despite multiple levels of scrutiny, the signatories pointed out that the Tamil Nadu government’s 2024 Transparent Book Procurement Policy provides for a multi-tier selection mechanism.
This includes a 137-member expert committee to recommend books, a 13-member selection committee to finalise the procurement list, a five-member committee to negotiate prices with publishers and another five-member scrutiny committee to approve the recommendations.
The government had issued an order on November 5, 2025, for procuring books and e-books for Periyar Arivulagam and central libraries in six newly created districts under this policy.
The statement alleged that the procurement of fabricated books had sidelined genuine writers and researchers, deprived readers and competitive examination aspirants of reliable information, and undermined the publishing industry. It also raised concerns that similar books from other publishers might have entered libraries across Tamil Nadu, including English-language collections.
The signatories have demanded an immediate inquiry commission under the supervision of the Madras High Court, arguing that the alleged irregularities should not be treated merely as financial misconduct but as an attempt to undermine the intellectual and academic ecosystem.
They have also demanded the publication of details of those who recommended and selected the disputed books and authorised the release of payments, along with legal action against the publishers involved.
Other demands include recovering the money allegedly obtained through fraudulent procurement, identifying and removing fake books from all public libraries, and seizing such publications to prevent further sale.
The joint statement has also called for an independent expert committee to inspect all public libraries across Tamil Nadu within a fixed timeframe and recommend changes to strengthen the existing book procurement policy.
The statement was signed by former Madras High Court judge D. Hariparanthaman, researcher S.V. Rajadurai, researcher R. Balakrishnan, former vice-chancellor Prof. L. Jawahar Nesan and researcher Prof. V. Arasu, among others.
Also Read: Perumal Murugan flags alleged irregularities in book procurement at Coimbatore’s Periyar Arivulagam
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
