Thirty-six years after it was banned by the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1988, Salman Rushdie’s book is back on Indian bookshelves. Photo credit: AP
Some Muslim organizations have strongly condemned the resale of Salman Rushdie’s controversial book.The Satanic VersesIt has appealed to the central government to ban in India.
Rushdie’s book has returned to Indian libraries 36 years after it was banned by the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1988.The Satanic VersesAvailable at Baharisons Booksellers in Delhi-NCR.
In November, the Delhi High Court closed proceedings on a petition challenging the Rajiv Gandhi government’s ban on the import of books. The court said that since the authorities had failed to submit the relevant notification since October 5, 1988, it was presumed that there was no notification at all.
Maulana Kaab Rashidi, legal adviser of the Uttar Pradesh unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (AM), re-published the book in India. Expressed concern over the appearance.
‘Freedom of expression is a legal offense if it hurts someone’s feelings.’The Satanic Verses‘ is a scandalous book. Selling such a controversial book under the guise of freedom of speech cannot be justified under any circumstances. This is against the essence of the constitution,’ he said PTI.
Rashidi added, “The foundation of India’s constitution allows freedom of speech, but it does not give the right to hurt anyone’s sentiments. The resumption of sale of ‘The Satanic Verses’ is an attempt at provocation. It is the responsibility of the government to stop it. If the government allows it, it is on its own.” It is a dereliction of constitutional duty.” He further remarked that Muslims consider Allah and the Prophet dearer than their lives and a controversial book should never be tolerated in such a scenario.
“We urge the government to restore the ban on this book to protect constitutional values and hurt the sentiments of a large section of people. The government has taken an oath to protect the constitution, and it is its duty to ban this book,” he said. said
A “limited stock” of the book is said to have been available at Baharisons Booksellers in Delhi in recent days. The book’s content and its author have faced massive backlash worldwide, with many Muslim organizations labeling it blasphemous.
Maulana Yasob Abbas, Secretary General of All India Shia Personal Law Board, also criticized the renewed availability of the book, saying, “After 36 years, there is talk of lifting the ban. I appeal on behalf of the Shia Personal Law Board to ensure that the Government of India firmly upholds the ban.” “The book mocks Islamic ideas, insults Prophet Muhammad and his Companions, and hurts sentiments. Allowing its sale threatens the harmony of the country. I request the Prime Minister to ban the book completely in India,” he said.
Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi, national president of All India Muslim Jamaat, said in a statement, “The ban on The Satanic Verses has expired. Now some publishers are planning to reprint the book in India. Though it was immediately banned by Rajiv Gandhi’s government in 1988, now that the ban has expired, it has been reprinted in India.” Preparations are being made to bring it.” “This book insults Islam, Prophet Muhammad and many Islamic figures. Its content is so offensive that it cannot be repeated. Allowing this book to enter the market will spoil the environment of the country. No Muslim can bear to see this abominable book on the shelves of any bookstore. Razvi added.
He demanded the central government to reimpose the ban and warned of massive protests from the Muslim community if the book became widely available.
published – Dec 26, 2024 at 01:25 pm IST