Maharashtra Govt respects SC's verdict of lifting ban on Shivaji book

Aurangabad, Jul 10 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan today made it clear that the government respects the Supreme Court's decision upholding the Bombay High Court's decision on the lifting of ban on the controversial book, 'Shivaji - The Hindu King in Muslim India', by American author James Laine, which allegedly contained material promoting social enmity.

While lifting ban on the book yesterday, the apex court agreed with the High Court that the state government did not follow the mandatory procedure while invoking the ban on the book.

Addressing a news conference at his hometown in Nanded, Mr Chavan said, ''however, considering the abrasive sentiments of people in the state, the government will seek suggestions from the legal experts as what to do in this matter. We will take each and every step within the legal framework.'' He further said the statue of Shivaji Maharaj installed at the Mumbai airport will not be moved anywhere at any cost.

The GVK-led Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) company was all set to relocate the Shivaji statue from the airport to facilitate construction of a new integrated passenger terminal at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The move received huge protest from Shiv Sena and some Maratha organisations.