KOCHI: High Court criticized DC Books regarding CPM leader EP Jayarajan's autobiography controversy. The court said that naming the book without informing the author and without entering into a contract and issuing a notice fixing the publication date is a serious matter. Justice PV Kunhikrishnan's observation is in the order granting anticipatory bail to Kottayam native AV Sreekumar, who was the senior deputy editor of DC Books.

Sreekumar is being investigated by the police for leaking information in the book 'Kattan Chayayum Parippu Vadayum - Oru Communistinte Jeevitham' to the media. Sreekumar made it clear that he was only an employee and had no direct involvement in the decisions taken by the editorial board. Sreekumar argued that he only edited the information sent by Deshabhimani Kannur Bureau Chief Raghunath as part of his work.

The court said that it was surprising that publishers who had published many books before took decisions without the author's consent. "Prima facie there are charges of betrayal of trust. The investigation team should find out who are responsible. The court is compelled to grant anticipatory bail only because it is an offense punishable with imprisonment of less than 7 years," the single bench said.

“There is no need to question the media as the book release notice was posted by DC Books itself on the website. Sreekumar has to appear before the investigating officer for questioning within two weeks. If he is booked, he should be released on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties of equivalent value," the court directed.