Library book ‘scam’: Madras High Court had sounded warning two years ago, called for enquiry
Against the backdrop of writer Perumal Murugan’s expose on substandard books containing grossly erroneous historical information making their way into the shelves of the Periyar Arivulagam in Coimbatore, it would be worthwhile to take a look at how the court had sought to streamline procurement of books
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court expressed alarm over alleged irregularities in the procurement of books for public libraries in Tamil Nadu, alleging a "scam." The court called for an enquiry to be conducted by a committee, issuing directions for transparent procedures in book procurement. The case centers around writer Perumal Murugan exposing substandard books with erroneous historical information in the Periyar Arivulagam library in Coimbatore.
The court had previously criticized the procurement process, pointing out instances of re-published books with false titles and author names, as well as the use of expired copyrights and nationalized books. The government failed to file a counter-affidavit for five years, leading the court to assume the petitioner's allegations were unrebutted.
The court issued directions for the Director of Public Libraries to maintain a functional website and spread awareness via social media about the procurement process.
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