Ahmedabad: It was a major victory for expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh. His book on Partition is now going to be freely available even in Gujarat as the High Court has lifted the government ban.
And while doing say had some harsh words for Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Modi had banned Jaswant Singh's book in Gujarat, saying its contents were against national interest.
Coming down hard on Modi justice K S Radhakrishnan said: "The notification is silent on how the contents of the book would affect and disturb the public tranquillity or interest of the state. No opinion has been expressed by the state in the notification. Lack of opinion means lack of thinking and lack of thinking means lack of understanding."
The state government has refused to comment on the ruling.
"Judgements are not to be debated. It's not a question of celebration or setback as you are calling it," said Gujarat government spokesperson Jaynarayan Vyas.
"The court has said that the government has not read the book or applied its mind. It imposed restrictions on the book without applying its mind," said Anand Yagnik, counsel for the petitioners.
Modi had said he banned the book also because it criticises state icon Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Political analysts said the ban gave Modi a strong agenda in the Patel heartland of Saurashtra and North Gujarat, which are going for by-polls.
Whether the decision benefitted Modi or not, it has surely helped Jaswant Singh. The controversy has pushed up the sales of his book.
"My stand has been vindicated," Jaswant said.
And now, it remains to be seen whether the Modi government comes out with a new notification and when. Till then, Jinnah: India, Partition and Independence can be read by people in Gujarat.