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Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses Returns to India After 36-Year Ban, Muslim Cleric Reacts

Salman Rushdie

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh – Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, has strongly criticized the lifting of the ban on Salman Rushdie's controversial novel, The Satanic Verses.

The book, originally released in 1988, was banned in India under the Rajiv Gandhi government following widespread protests from Muslim organizations, citing its offensive content as deeply hurtful to Islamic sentiments.

After 36 years, the ban has been lifted, and the book has made its way back into the Indian market. Notably, The Satanic Verses is now available for purchase at Bahrisons Booksellers in Delhi, sparking fresh debates about free speech and religious sensitivities.

Controversy Surrounding the Book

The Satanic Verses has been a flashpoint for controversy since its publication. Globally, it triggered massive protests from the Muslim community, who alleged that the book contained blasphemous content. In response to the uproar, several countries banned the novel, with India being the first to do so.

Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi expressed his discontent over the book’s return, saying, "The enemy of Islam and notorious writer Salman Rushdie’s book has hurt the sentiments of Muslims worldwide. The ban was imposed to maintain peace, and its removal is a matter of concern for our community."

The Legal Context

The Rajiv Gandhi government banned the book in 1988 under the Customs Act, citing threats to public order and harmony. However, after decades of legal and cultural debates, the restriction has been lifted, allowing the book to re-enter Indian bookstores.

Debates Over Free Speech

The lifting of the ban has reignited discussions about the balance between free speech and religious sensitivities. Proponents of the book’s availability argue that it represents an essential victory for literary freedom and the right to engage with controversial ideas. Critics, however, see it as a provocation that could lead to unrest.

Market Response

Despite the controversy, The Satanic Verses is expected to attract significant attention in India’s literary circles. Delhi's Bahrisons Booksellers confirmed the book’s availability, signaling its official return to the Indian market. 

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