HC sets aside ban on controversial book on Chhatrapati Shivaji

Mumbai, Apr 26 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today set aside a ban imposed by the Maharashtra government on a controversial book 'Shivaji: A Hindu King in Islamic India' by American author James Laine, containing some remarks about the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The full bench, comprising Justice F I Rebello, Justice V K Tahilramani and Justice Abhay Oak, today set aside the ban.

The controversial book was banned in 2004, after a violent reaction occurred throughout the state and especially, an attack on Pune-based Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute by the activists of Sambhaji Brigade.

The ban was challenged in the High Court by Sangharaj Rupavate, a Republican activist, filmmaker Anand Kulkarni and a social activist.

UNI