Laine’s book on Shivaji okay: SC

 In a blow to political censorship, the Supreme Court on Friday, July 9, rejected a plea by the state government to ban US author James Laine’s book on Chhatrapati Shivaji.

The apex court has upheld a 2007 Bombay high court decision allowing publication and circulation of the book, Shivaji -The Hindu King in Muslim India, in Maharashtra. Strangely enough, the state government had challenged the Bombay high court order almost two years after the ban was lifted.

It is far from clear if the book can actually be sold in the state, given the kind of jingoism over this issue. Maharashtra’s home minister R R Patil, said on Friday that the government was still in favour of the ban and would seek legal opinion on how it could be continued.

“I personally and the state government also feel that the ban should continue. We are seeking opinion of legal experts on approaching the court to ensure the ban continues,” Mr Patil said.

Full report here Economic Times


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