Salman Rushdie’s provocative novel, The Satanic Verses, has returned to Indian bookstores 36 years after being banned by the Rajiv Gandhi government. The partial lifting of the ban has sparked intense debates around freedom of expression and religious sentiments, most prominently reflected by calls for its reinstatement.
After briefly disappearing from the cultural conversation, the novel is once again available, particularly at Bahrisons Booksellers located in New Delhi. Priced at INR 1,999 (approximately USD 23.45), it has garnered significant interest from readers eager to explore its controversial themes and imaginative storytelling. A recent buyer noted, “This is a very famous book… I feel a personal connection to this book because the author, Salman Rushdie, hails from my region, Kashmir.”
The book’s return has reignited discussions surrounding its historical backlash. Initially published in September 1988, it quickly became the center of global controversies, inciting protests, and violence. The aforementioned protests included riots leading to several deaths, as anger mounted over perceived blasphemy against Islamic figures.
“There should have been dialogue with people demanding a ban before allowing the sale of the book,” stated Maulana Yasood Abbas, General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, echoing sentiments from multiple religious organizations opposing the sale.
The thundering history of The Satanic Verses began with its 1988 ban, instituted under the pressure of religious groups. The book was criticized heavily due to its portrayal of Islamic figures and was branded as offensive. It escalated to the point where Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death, placing him under threat for his life. Reflecting on previous violence, former AIMIM MLA Warish Pathan stated, “At the time of its release, it sparked widespread outrage due to its objectionable content… Now, with the Delhi High Court lifting the ban, we urge the government to intervene.”
It was through legal proceedings culminating last November, where the Delhi High Court determined no valid ban was substantively documented due to the government’s failure to produce the original notification from 1988. “We have no other option except to presume no such notification exists,” the court stated, allowing Rushdie’s literary work back on Indian shelves.
While some buyers express excitement to finally access the book, others voice concern over the potential societal impact of its reappearance. “No Muslim can tolerate seeing this hateful book on any bookstore shelf,” lamented Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, reinforcing the divide between cultural sensitivity and freedom of thought.
Reacting to the renewed interest, the manager of Bahrisons Booksellers confirmed, “We’re selling out.” Yet the book's re-entry is not without counterarguments. Critics argue censorship is sometimes necessary, particularly when heated religious sentiments are at stake.
Supporters of the book’s availability contend it symbolizes freedom of speech and the need to engage with diverse perspectives. A buyer from the bookstore reminisced on the original ban, remembering how it prohibited the book's import: “It’s very important. It’s important to stand up for free speech… especially for writers.”
The social media presence of Bahrisons Booksellers has also played a role, with Tweets highlighting the novel's availability seem to spark curiosity among those waiting decades to read it. “I’ve heard The Satanic Verses spoken about all my life. It feels unreal to see it,” remarked Dilip Sharma, giving voice to the long-held intrigue surrounding the book.
Overall, this resumption of sales not only revitalizes public curiosity about the controversial book but prompts reexamination of the historical events surrounding its initial ban. Perhaps more significantly, it raises the enduring question: how should society navigate the complex pathways between safeguarding religious beliefs and safeguarding the fundamental freedoms of expression and thought?
While discussions are likely to continue, the story encapsulates the broader struggles faced within democratic societies when confronting sensitive subjects and contentious authors like Salman Rushdie. The situation begs reflections on the results of censorship versus the repercussions of free speech.
