Hindu Sena President Approaches Court For Injunction Against Salman Khurshid's Book 'Sunrise Over Ayodhya'

A suit has been filed by Hindu Sena President, Vishnu Gupta in Delhi's Patiala House Court seeking prohibitory injunction to stop the publication, sale, circulation and distribution of the book written by Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid titled 'Sunrise Over Ayodhya'.

The suit states that the plaintiff was shocked to read an excerpt from the book, alleging that the same was not only instigating and provoking Hindu sentiments but also hurting the religious sentiments of large number of people belonging to the Hindu religion.

The said excerpt mentioned in page no. 113 of the book reads as follows:

"That a passage in the book on page no 113 Chapter 6 with the title "The Saffron Sky" reads that "classical Hinduism known to sages and saints were being pushed aside by a robust version of by all standards a political version similar to the jihadist Islam of groups like ISIS and Boko Haram of recent years."

The suit thus states that the Book comparing Hindutva or Hinduism to ISIS and Boko Haram "is an attempt to demonise Hindu religion". 

Accordingly, it has been stated that such kinds of statements in a book harms the social integrity and hurts the sentiments of millions of Hindus residing in the country and all over the world.

"That this book launch event just before the upcoming assembly election in the State of Uttar Pradesh is just a poor publicity stunt to polarize and gain the votes of minority in the upcoming General Assembly election in the State of U.P and also to polarise the Voting percentage," the suit states.

"That the Constitution of India provides every citizen of India with the freedom of speech and expression under Article19(1)(a) but Reasonable restrictions can be imposed on the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 (2) of the Indian Constitution. The rights granted under Article 19 is not an absolute right. They can be restricted by competent authority in the interest of society. That this right comes with some limitations and it must not be misused when it threatens and shakes the harmony of the country and the society," the suit adds.

The suit has been filed through Advocates Akshay Aggarwal and Sushant Parkash.

Title: Vishnu Gupta v. State of NCT of Delhi & Anr.