India lifts 36-year-old ban on Salman Rushdie’s book ‘The Satanic Verses’

Salman Rushdie’s most controversial novel – The Satanic Verses – is back on the shelves in India after a 36-year-long ban. The ban, imposed shortly after the book’s 1988 release, was lifted following a recent ruling by the Delhi High Court. The court’s decision marked a significant turn in a long-standing controversy surrounding the novel, which has sparked global debates on free expression, faith, and art.

The ban on The Satanic Verses was originally put in place due to widespread protests, particularly from certain religious communities, who accused the novel of blasphemy. The book’s portrayal of religious figures, especially its depiction of Islamic themes, was considered offensive by many, leading to violent protests in several countries. The controversy surrounding the book only grew stronger after the Iranian government issued a fatwa in 1989. This fatwa further amplified the global backlash against the novel.

The Satanic Verses By Salman Rushdie

For decades, the book remained banned in India, despite its continued popularity abroad. However, in a recent legal development, the Delhi High Court ruled that the original notification imposing the ban could not be located. During a hearing on a 2019 case challenging the import ban, the court was informed that the official documents related to the ban were untraceable. In the absence of the notification, the court concluded there was no legal basis for the continued prohibition, leading to the lifting of the ban.

The legal battle and the subsequent lifting of the ban have reignited discussions about censorship, artistic expression, and the role of literature in challenging societal norms. With this ruling, India has taken a step toward upholding the principles of free expression, allowing the novel to reach new readers while revisiting its rich cultural legacy.

Bahrisons Booksellers, a prominent bookstore chain in India, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that The Satanic Verses was once again available for sale, calling the novel a “groundbreaking and provocative” work that has captivated readers for decades. The store emphasized the novel’s imaginative storytelling and bold themes, which have made it a literary triumph despite its controversial nature.