Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Kerala High Court Orders Decision on UAPA Convict's Book Publication
Imagine someone in jail wrote a book about their experiences.
They asked the government if they could publish it, but it took a very long time to get an answer.
So, they went to court.
The judge said that even people in jail still have rights, like the right to express themselves.
The judge also said that the book can't be stopped just because the person is in jail.
The government has to check the book to make sure it's not harmful or dangerous.
If it's okay, they should allow it to be published.
The judge gave the government three months to make a final decision.
This is because everyone, even prisoners, should be treated fairly and given a chance to share their stories, as long as they aren't hurting anyone.
The Kerala High Court has ordered the state to decide on a UAPA convict's request to publish his book within three months.
The book, titled 'Bandhitharude Ormakurippukal', was authored by the convict while incarcerated in Viyyur Central Jail.
The court ruled that a prisoner's fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, are not completely extinguished upon conviction.
Publication cannot be denied unless the content is proven to be harmful or deleterious, according to the High Court's order.
The state government must review the manuscript to ensure it does not violate UAPA provisions or contain defamatory or sensitive material.
- Who
- A UAPA convict lodged in Viyyur Central Jail, represented by counsel, and the state government/prison authorities.
- What
- The Kerala High Court directed the state to decide on a UAPA convict's plea to publish his book within three months.
- When
- The order was issued on November 3, with a three-month deadline for the state's decision.
- Where
- Kerala High Court, Viyyur Central Jail, Kerala, India.
- Why
- The High Court intervened due to an inordinate delay by prison authorities in deciding the convict's application to publish his book, 'Bandhitharude Ormakurippukal', asserting that prisoners retain fundamental rights and their writings cannot be denied without evidence of harmful content.
Convict's Stance
State's Stance
Prisoner Rights and Publication
Convict's Stance
Argues that fundamental rights, including freedom of thought and expression, are not entirely lost upon conviction and that the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services (Management) Act does not prohibit prisoner publications. Suggests denial of publication rights hinders reformative goals.
State's Stance
Does not oppose publication but insists on vetting the manuscript for violations of UAPA, defamatory content, or sensitive material requiring redaction, to ensure it does not incite violence or promote unlawful ideologies.
Basis for Denial
Convict's Stance
Asserts that publication should not be denied unless the content is definitively harmful or deleterious.
State's Stance
Seeks to verify content to prevent dissemination of material furthering extremist objectives or glorifying banned organizations, aligning with UAPA provisions.
- Court Order Date
- November 3
- Convict's Book Title
- Bandhitharude Ormakurippukal (Memoirs of the Incarcerated)
- Convict's Location
- Viyyur Central Jail
- Relevant Act
- Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services (Management) Act, 2010
- Legal Basis for Conviction
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
- Decision Deadline
- Within three months
