The Kerala High Court has directed the State government to consider an application from Roopesh T.R., an individual identified as an alleged Maoist leader, seeking permission to publish his book, "Bandhitharude Ormakurippukal" (Memoirs of the Incarcerated).
Authored during his incarceration at Viyyur Central Jail, the book's publication request was heard by the court, which underscored that prisoners retain fundamental rights, including freedom of thought and expression. These rights, the court noted, are not entirely extinguished upon conviction and are protected under various legal provisions ensuring human dignity and guarding against unreasonable discrimination.
While a government pleader affirmed that the State does not oppose the publication in principle, a detailed scrutiny of the manuscript is required, with an estimated timeframe of three months for this process. The High Court ultimately ordered the State government to finalize its decision on Roopesh T.R.'s application within three months, stipulating that a denial would only be permissible if the content is found to be deleterious or harmful.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-hc-directs-state-govt-to-decide-on-jailed-maoist-leaders-request-to-publish-book-he-wrote-in-prison/article70276171.ece