Ahmedabad, New Delhi: Narendra Modi and Gujarat slapping a ban on Jaswant Singh's book has come up against a serious counter attack by the expelled leader. On Tuesday, Jaswant apporached the Supreme Court.
And in a small victory for Singh, the Gujarat government had to admit their original order banning the book might not be good enough. The Supreme Court also issued a notice to Modi government.
"Gujarat government is trying to stifle dissent and curbing the freedom of my expression. I have come here to seek justice," said Singh.
But while Jaswant was in the Supreme Court, there was a setback to the Gujarat government. In the state High Court, accused of banning the book for vague reasons, the government lawyers offered to withdraw the original order.
In Shimla, shortly after Jaswant's expulsion, Modi had ordered the ban, claiming it promoted enmity, and had derogatory and disparaging remarks against Sardar Patel. Now, Gujarat has offered to withdraw the original ban order and replace it with a new one.
Except, in the meantime, it could face greater embarrassment as the High Court will give its order on whether the ban is legal.
Jaswant Singh argued that the ban infringes the Fundamental Rights. However the court said that they'll have to hear the Gujarat government's version before taking a decision on September 8.