The Maharashtra unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday described as "shocking" the Supreme Court order lifting ban on the controversial book authored by American writer James Laine which allegedly contained defamatory references to Maratha warrior king Shivaji Maharaj. Reacting to the court order, the VHP in a statement issued here said it had "enraged and caused pains" to the people of Maharashtra.
The organisation also condemned Maharashtra government for its "lack of preparation" while presenting the case before the court to confirm the ban on the book and demanded that the State and Central governments take necessary action to uphold the ban.
Meanwhile, NCP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji protesting the order announced that Laine's book would not be allowed to be sold or circulated in Maharashtra. PTI
