CPI(M) Leader Criticizes Ban on Salman Rushdie's 'The Satanic Verses'

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi | Veteran CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah has voiced his opposition to the decades-old ban on Salman Rushdie's controversial book The Satanic Verses, as it makes a silent return to India after 36 years. Mollah, a staunch advocate of free expression, criticized the government’s decision to suppress the book in 1988, stating that banning ideas is not the correct approach to addressing dissent.

“Salman Rushdie is one of the greatest literary figures of our time, and he has authored numerous acclaimed books. However, when he published The Satanic Verses, a section of the Muslim community felt it hurt their religious sentiments, leading to its ban by the Indian government,” Mollah explained.

He went on to express his personal disapproval of banning literature, emphasizing the importance of intellectual debate and discourse. “Personally, I don’t agree with banning any book. You can counter it, you can write against it, but using force to suppress the opinion of a writer or the right of expression is not correct,” he said.

The Satanic Verses sparked global controversy upon its release, with several countries banning the book and protests erupting in many parts of the world. The book remains a lightning rod in discussions about the balance between free expression and religious sensitivities.