SC notice to Gujarat over Jaswant’s book ban
The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Gujarat government on a petition filed by expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh challenging the ban imposed by the Narendra Modi administration on his book Jinnah: India - Partition – Independence.
A bench of Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice Cyriac Joseph directed the Gujarat government to file its reply by September 8. Fali S Nariman and Soli Sorabjee, appearing for Singh and publisher Rupa & Co, submitted that the ban was a violation of the fundamental rights.
The apex court has fixed September 8 as the next date of hearing. It, however, refused to accept copies of the former external affairs miniter’s book as a complimentary gift.
“If we read the book now, it will prejudice us,’’ said Justice Kabir.
