The ban on James Lanes biography of Shivaji was struck down by the Supreme Court. It rightly pointed out that in judging the nature of a book it is impermissible to ban it because of a few isolated stray sentences divorced from the context of the main theme of the book. The so-called offence of hurting religious sentiments must be judged on the touchstone of normal balanced individuals and not by the reactions and standards of hyper-sensitive persons who perceive hurt in any and every criticism and are offended by unpalatable comments. Not surprisingly,there was adverse reaction against the Supreme Court judgment in some bigoted quarters. There were intimidatory protests that the book would not be allowed to be sold or distributed in Maharashtra despite the Supreme Court judgment. Regrettably,the Chief Minister of Maharashtra impliedly endorsed this blatant intolerance in his press conference. The result was that the publisher of the book,obviously for considerations of commercial expediency,caved in and agreed to stop distribution of the book. So much for the authority of the Supreme Court judgment and so much for freedom of expression in our country which can be held to ransom by fanatics. Another shocking manifestation of intolerance was the vandalising of the office of TV channel Headlines Today. The furniture and equipment in the office premises were badly damaged and the office staff was manhandled. The excuse was that a sting operation aired by Headlines Today,insinuated that RSS leader Indresh Kumar had links with Devendra Gupta,a key accused in the Ajmer blasts case. As usual the police were mute spectators and failed to protect the news channel. In this sorry state of affairs,tough and well-armed private security guards may offer a solution. In that case we may bid adieu to the rule of law. And that is the vexed and distressing part.
Fatwas galore
Jazz musician honoured
Legendary Canadian jazz musician Oscar Peterson died in December 2007 at the age of 82 after a 65-year career as a piano virtuoso recording artist and composer. He is a great jazz icon in Canada. Peterson has received official recognition in his country. Streets,squares,concert halls and schools have been named after him. He was also honoured by the issue of a commemorative stamp. The pinnacle of his fame and recognition took place last month when a bronze sculpture of Peterson was unveiled in Ottawa by Queen Elizabeth of the UK. It is heartening that there is no royal prejudice against jazz. Quite a few jazz musicians have performed at the White House. If Canada,UK and US can honour jazz musicians,there is no reason why India should lag behind when we have produced excellent jazz musicians.
