The Supreme Court lifted ban on the controversial book titled Shivaji: Hindu King in Islamic India written by American author James Laine.

A bench comprising Justices D K Jain and H L Dattu upheld the Bombay High Court order and directed the authorities to lift the ban.

The book was banned by the Maharashtra government following violent protest by Shiv Sena and a criminal case was registered against the American author and publisher of the controversial book.

Reacting to the Supreme Court order, Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena declared that they will not allow the printing and sale of the book in Maharashtra.

MNS Chief Raj Thackeray threatened that his party would resort to an agitation if the book was sold in the state. ‘We will deal with it in our own style,’ he said in Mumbai.

Shiv Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray asked book sellers not to sell the book. Sena Spokesperson Neelam Gore told media persons here that though Supreme Court has lifted the ban, the book is not available in the market.

‘As per directive from Party Supremo Bal Thackeray and Executive President Udhav Thackeray, we will take up the issue accordingly,’ she added.

UNI