This week a move by Penguin Books India to remove controversial book “The Hindus: An Alternative History” by scholar Wendy Doniger enraged intellectuals for the companies disregard of freedom of expression.
Voice of America reports that member of conservative Hindu group “Save Education Movement” Dina Nath Batra won a four year long legal battle against Doniger’s work for its divergent perspective on an ancient religion. Authors like Vikram Sampath believe the publisher’s decision may have dire consequences on future deals.
“What is it that we can put in years and years of our hard work and research into and then realize that one day the publisher himself or herself abandons you in the wilderness?"
According to Business Standard, Penguin Indian claims they were forced to remove the publication because of an Indian Law that declares any attack on religious feelings a criminal offense. The company advocated in a release statement to “respect the laws of the land in which it operates,” despite feelings from critics that a higher court option could have been utilized.
Writers and artists will continue to see road blocks in their work as the restrictive regime undergoes elections in three months’ time.
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