The Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers’ Association has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court, seeking to declare as null and void the peace meeting held at Namakkal Collectorate, after which writer Perumal Murugan renounced writing.
Mr. Murugan was “helpless” and was forced to tender an unconditional apology and delete certain portions in his novel, at the peace meeting organised by the Namakkal administration on January 12, the association has submitted before the court.
In the PIL, association president, S.Tamilselvan said the district administration conducted the peace meeting after a demonstration and a local bandh in Tiruchengode, where the writer was left alone.
The association alleged that he was intimidated into subscribing to the demands of the opponents, backed by the revenue and police officials. Left with no other option, he tendered an unconditional apology.
It said the author’s decision at the meeting to issue an unconditional apology, delete the controversial portions from his book, withdraw unsold copies from the market and not to write about any controversial subjects hurting the people’s sentiments should be declared as null and void.
Hence, the present petition.
The novel that has been at the centre of controversy revolves round the futile efforts of a childless couple and a myth related to a temple car festival.
The novel is set in pre-Independence period involving consensual sex ritually associated with the annual car festival of Sri Arthanareeswarar temple at Tiruchengode in Namakkal district. The author hailed from a village in Tiruchengode.
The petition is likely to come up for hearing on Tuesday.
