Andorra: Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses is now legally available in India, nearly 36 years after it was banned. The Delhi High Court’s November ruling declared the ban void, citing the government’s failure to present the original notification imposing the restriction. This decision has reignited a polarized debate over free speech and religious sentiments.

The literary community has largely welcomed the move, with Penguin India’s Mansi Subramaniam and journalist Aseem Chhabra celebrating the book's return. Prominent bookseller Bahrisons in New Delhi also announced its availability, calling it a "literary triumph."

However, the decision has sparked strong reactions from some Muslim organizations. Leaders like Maulana Kaab Rashidi and Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi have criticized the book, claiming it insults Islam and threatens national harmony. They have urged the government to reinstate the ban.

While the ruling is hailed as a victory for free expression, it also underscores the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and religious sensitivities in India.