Literary freedom is taken for granted in democracies, but forces that threaten or undermine it are always at work. In recent times, several attempts to get books withdrawn, pulped or sanitised of offending content have achieved full or partial success in India. Public order, national unity and social or religious harmony are the principles commonly invoked against the practice of literary freedom. Sections that relate to the sale of obscene books and uttering words that hurt religious feelings are also sought to be omitted. Seen in this light, Mr. Tharoor’s initiative is most welcome as a step towards removing or diluting penal provisions that inhibit literary freedom.

Source: The Hindu January 06, 2019 18:22 UTC