I will get up, says Tamil writer Perumal Murugan

HC dismissed an attempt to bring criminal charges against the author whose writings on caste angered Hindu groups

Boosted by a Madras High Court judgement that dismissed an attempt to bring criminal charges against Perumal Murugan whose writings on caste angered Hindu groups, the Tamil novelist has said he will "get up" and resume writing.

"The judgement gives me much happiness. It comforts a heart that had shrunk itself and had wilted. I am trying to prop myself up holding on to the light of the last lines of the judgement," Murugan said in a statement, whose English translation has been put out by his publisher Kannan Sundaram.

In its judgement on Tuesday the High Court had said, "Let the author be resurrected to what he is best at: Write."

"I will get up. It is just that my mind wishes to spend a little time in the joy of this moment. My thanks to friends who stood by me. My thanks also to friends who stood against me," the author said.

Murugan also penned a poem with his statement. " The Flower/ A flower blooms/ after the big bang/ Sharp fragrance/ Sweet countenance/ Shining Splendour/ The flower would/ take up and establish/ everything."

The Tiruchengode-based author who faced protests from Hindutva and caste outfits for his novel Madhorubaga had later announced in a Facebook post that the writer in him was dead.

The judges said Murugan "should not be under fear and be able to advance the canvas of his writings."

"All writings, unpalatable for one section of the society, cannot be labelled as obscene, vulgar, depraving, prurient and immoral. There can hardly be any improper intent or motive assigned to the author in the present case, who even went backwards to ensure that the hurt feelings of all are assuaged," the bench said.

Dismissing a petition which sought to forfeit all copies of the novel in Tamil and its translated English version One Part Woman, the court said there was no necessity warranting such action.