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Kolkata (Bengal) – Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has not been allowed to set up its stall at the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair to be held here from January 28th to February 9th, 2025. The reason given was that ‘VHP’s books are controversial and sensitive. Therefore, there is a risk of unrest’. When VHP filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court, the Court slammed the organizers. The next hearing in this matter will be held on January 20th.
VHP had applied for a book stall with the Publishers and Booksellers Association in October 2024 itself. VHP says that its application was kept pending. Despite repeated requests by VHP, the association did not respond.
The association said that the application submitted by the VHP for the book stall has been rejected saying that it was not in the prescribed format. The association also alleged that the VHP had not fulfilled the conditions required to participate in the programme.
How did the organizers suddenly realise this year that VHP’s books are sensitive : Calcutta HC
During the hearing in the High Court, the advocate of the Publishers and Booksellers Association claimed, ‘The books published by the VHP are sensitive and controversial. These books can spread unrest. We do not want any such confusion. Therefore, it has been decided not to allot any book stall to the VHP at this year’s fair.’ On this, Justice Amrita Sinha of the Calcutta High Court asked the advocates, did you know that the VHP had publications ? You had earlier allowed the VHP to set up a book stall; then what suddenly happened that made you feel that the VHP’s publications are so sensitive and controversial that they can create a problem ?
Editorial Perspectives
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