A controversy over suspected AI-generated books, questionable author identities and allegedly inflated publishing prices has triggered a major investigation into public library acquisitions in Tamil Nadu. The Madras High Court has directed the state’s anti-corruption agency to register a criminal case, investigate the alleged procurement irregularities and take action against those responsible.
The controversy centres on books acquired for the Periyar Arivulagam library in Coimbatore, where Tamil novelist Perumal Murugan questioned the authenticity and quality of nearly 1,800 titles. Subsequent inspections reportedly identified another 2,200 suspected AI-generated books at a government library in Tenkasi. The allegations have raised concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in publishing, the verification of authorship and the spending of public money on books that may contain fabricated information.
Madras High Court Orders Investigation Into Library Book Purchases
The controversy escalated after the Madras High Court examined allegations of irregularities in the procurement of books for public libraries across Tamil Nadu.
On November 10, 2026, a bench comprising Justices G.R. Swaminathan and M.D. Sumathi directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register a First Information Report (FIR) into the alleged fraudulent procurement.
The court also ordered authorities to identify questionable books, remove them from public library collections and freeze bank accounts associated with Agal Vilakku Publication, its proprietor Mohan and others allegedly involved in the transactions.
The judges questioned why a criminal case had not been registered earlier despite the seriousness of the allegations. They also directed the state government to examine the role of officials involved in the procurement process and consider disciplinary action.
The order followed a contempt petition concerning compliance with earlier court directions on transparency in public library book purchases.
The court’s intervention has moved the matter beyond an administrative review and into a formal criminal investigation. However, the allegations against publishers and officials will need to be established through the investigation and legal proceedings.
Nearly 1,800 Questionable Books Found at Coimbatore Library
The controversy initially emerged at Periyar Arivulagam, a knowledge and science centre library inaugurated in Coimbatore on October 16, 2026.
Tamil novelist Perumal Murugan, who was involved in recommending books for public libraries, raised concerns after examining the collection.
He questioned nearly 1,800 titles associated with Agal Vilakku Pathippagam, alleging that some contained factual errors, questionable author information and unusually high prices.
One disputed example was a 300-page book titled Naladiyar Vaazhvin Vazhikatti, reportedly priced at ₹1,445. Murugan also highlighted errors involving classical Tamil literature and questioned the accuracy of ISBNs printed on certain books.
The concerns extended to the credentials of people listed as authors and the publishing identities associated with the titles.
These issues prompted questions about whether the books had undergone adequate editorial review before being selected and purchased using public funds.
Another 2,200 Suspected AI Books Removed in Tenkasi
The investigation expanded beyond Coimbatore after a statewide inspection of public library collections.
According to reports published by DT Next on November 11, approximately 2,200 books suspected of being AI-generated were identified and removed from the Tenkasi District Central Library.
The books were reportedly purchased from Agal Vilakku Publishing House for approximately ₹27 lakh in December 2025.
The publications appeared under several different author names, including Nivetha Anbazhagan, Nivetha Subbaiah, Manisha Saravanan, Manisha Akash and Manisha Arjun.
The discovery has raised questions about whether multiple author identities and publishing labels were used to supply large volumes of questionable books to government institutions.
However, the identification of a book as potentially AI-generated does not, by itself, establish fraud. Investigators will need to examine the publications, authorship claims, publishing records and procurement transactions to determine whether laws were violated.
Economist Jean Drèze’s Name Appears on a Disputed Book
One of the most significant concerns involves a book reportedly found at the Kalaignar Centenary Library in Madurai.
The publication, titled Democracy and People’s Rights in the Contemporary World, carried the name of economist Jean Drèze as its author.
Drèze reportedly denied writing the book, raising concerns that his identity may have been used without permission.
The High Court also referred to publications allegedly attributed to prominent intellectuals and writers, including Tamil poet Subramania Bharati.
Such cases have raised questions about whether public libraries were supplied with books carrying fabricated author credentials.
If authorship was falsely attributed, the issue would extend beyond poor editorial standards to potential misrepresentation and fraudulent publishing practices.
How the Alleged Procurement Irregularities Developed
The procurement process is now a central focus of the investigation.
According to reporting by The Times of India, the government issued an order on November 5, 2025, establishing a committee to recommend books for public libraries, including Periyar Arivulagam.
A committee comprising 112 members subsequently recommended titles. A final selection was reportedly made at a meeting at Chennai’s Anna Centenary Library on January 9, 2026.
A purchase order for 60,266 books was issued on February 2, 2026.
Investigators are examining the selection process, purchase orders, payments, publishers, distributors and the officials involved.
| Issue under investigation | Reported details |
|---|---|
| Coimbatore library | Nearly 1,800 questioned titles |
| Tenkasi library | Around 2,200 suspected AI-generated books removed |
| Tenkasi procurement | Reported purchase value of ₹27 lakh |
| Coimbatore example | A 300-page disputed book priced at ₹1,445 |
| Main publisher under scrutiny | Agal Vilakku Publication |
| Investigating agency | Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption |
The figures relate to different libraries and reports. They should not be treated as a confirmed total of fraudulent purchases or as proof that every questioned book was AI-generated.
Tamil Nadu Government and Opposition Exchange Allegations
The controversy has also developed into a political dispute.
School Education Minister A. Rajmohan has described the alleged irregularities as a possible AI-related scam and said the investigation would examine purchases across public libraries in the state.
The government has accused the previous DMK-led administration of overseeing irregular procurement. The DMK has denied the allegations and sought an investigation into the matter.
The dispute has increased pressure on authorities to publish procurement records and establish who recommended, approved and paid for the disputed books.
Writers, academics and publishers have also called for greater transparency. Reports indicate that more than 160 individuals signed a joint statement demanding an independent investigation, disclosure of procurement information and an audit of public library collections.
Why the Case Raises Questions About AI in Publishing
Artificial intelligence tools can generate large volumes of written material, including educational content, summaries and entire manuscripts. While these tools can support legitimate publishing, they can also produce inaccurate information, fabricated references and misleading claims about authorship.
Public libraries face a particular challenge because their collections are expected to provide reliable material for students, researchers and general readers.
The Tamil Nadu controversy highlights several weaknesses that can emerge when procurement systems do not adequately verify:
- Whether the named author actually wrote the book.
- Whether the publisher and ISBN details are authentic.
- Whether the content has undergone editorial and factual review.
- Whether the price reflects the book’s quality and production.
- Whether procurement decisions follow transparent procedures.
AI-generated content is not automatically unsuitable for libraries. The central concerns are authenticity, accuracy, transparency and whether public money was spent appropriately.
The Bigger Picture
The Tamil Nadu investigation illustrates how generative AI is changing the publishing industry while creating new challenges for institutions that depend on reliable information. Producing books has become faster and less expensive, but verifying authorship, originality and factual accuracy remains essential.
For public libraries, the issue is particularly serious because questionable publications can undermine public trust and divert resources away from credible educational and literary works. Stronger procurement rules and independent editorial checks could help prevent similar problems elsewhere.
Looking Ahead
The DVAC investigation will need to establish whether the disputed publications were deliberately misrepresented, whether public funds were improperly spent and whether government officials or publishers violated the law. The court’s directions on registering an FIR, examining financial transactions and removing questionable books place the case under closer legal scrutiny.
The outcome could influence how government libraries across India evaluate publishers, verify authorship and assess AI-assisted publications. As AI-generated content becomes more common, institutions will need clear standards that protect readers without automatically excluding legitimate works created with technological assistance.
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