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India Lifts Ban on "The Satanic Verses"

The Indian Supreme Court has overturned an import ban on Salman Rushdie's controversial novel, "The Satanic Verses", due to a lack of verifiable evidence for the ban's existence.

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Human Rights ViolationsMiddle EastControversyIndiaFreedom Of SpeechCourt RulingBook Ban

Indian Supreme CourtIndian Government

Salman RushdieAyatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Why was the book initially banned in India?: The book's import was reportedly banned in 1988, nine days after its UK release, due to protests from some within the Muslim community who considered it blasphemous. Despite this, the book was never officially published in India.
What was the basis for the Supreme Court's decision?: The court's decision was based on the government's inability to locate the original ban order (number 405/12/88-CUSIII). The lack of evidence forced the court to assume that the ban did not exist, allowing for the import of the book.
What is the current status of a potential future ban?: The Indian government hasn't yet responded to the ruling, leaving the possibility open for a new ban. The court didn't address the issue of whether such a ban would be a justified restriction on freedom of speech in this particular ruling.
What is the broader context and history of controversy surrounding "The Satanic Verses"?: Salman Rushdie's book, "The Satanic Verses", sparked controversy and violence internationally upon its release. Rushdie himself has faced decades of death threats and a physical attack in 2022, resulting in serious injuries. He has since published a memoir about his experience.
What was the Indian Supreme Court's ruling regarding the import of Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses"?: The Indian Supreme Court ruled that an import ban on Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses" is invalid because the government couldn't find any record of it. A man who wanted to read the book had initiated the legal case in 2019 after being unable to find any official documentation of the ban.

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