Salman Rushdie’s ‘The Satanic Verses’ Banned Again in India by Delhi High Court
Delhi High Court Upholds Ban on ‘The Satanic Verses’ Citing Public Order Concerns
On November 9, 2022, the Delhi High Court upheld the ban on Salman Rushdie’s controversial novel, ‘The Satanic Verses’, in India. The ban was originally imposed in 1988 following widespread protests and violence by Muslim groups who deemed the book blasphemous. The court’s decision came in response to a petition filed by a Muslim organization seeking to overturn the ban.
Background of the Controversy
‘The Satanic Verses’ was published in 1988 and sparked immediate outrage among Muslims worldwide. The novel’s depiction of the Prophet Muhammad and his wives was seen as deeply offensive and blasphemous. Protests and riots erupted in several countries, leading to the book’s ban in many Muslim-majority nations, including India.
In India, the ban was imposed under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits acts that are likely to promote religious disharmony or offend religious sentiments. The ban has been challenged in court several times, but the Delhi High Court has consistently upheld it on grounds of maintaining public order and communal harmony.
Arguments in Favor of the Ban
The Delhi High Court, in its latest ruling, reiterated the arguments in favor of the ban. The court held that the book’s publication was likely to cause widespread religious disharmony and violence. It also noted that the ban was necessary to protect the religious sentiments of the Muslim community.
The court further stated that freedom of expression is not absolute and can be reasonably restricted in certain circumstances. In this case, the court found that the ban on ‘The Satanic Verses’ was a proportionate and necessary measure to protect public order and communal harmony.
Arguments Against the Ban
Critics of the ban argue that it violates the fundamental right to freedom of expression guaranteed under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. They also argue that the ban is unnecessary and has failed to prevent the circulation of the book. Moreover, they contend that the ban has had a chilling effect on freedom of speech and expression in India.
Human rights organizations and international bodies have also condemned the ban, calling it a violation of the right to freedom of expression. They argue that the ban is a form of censorship that stifles intellectual inquiry and debate.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s decision to uphold the ban on ‘The Satanic Verses’ is a setback for freedom of expression in India. The ban reflects the ongoing tensions between religious sensitivity and freedom of speech in the country. It remains to be seen whether the ban will be challenged further in court or if it will remain in place indefinitely.
