Plea To Ban Swami Dayanand´s Satyarth Prakash Refused

Fundamental and religious rights often come into question with respect to Holy texts, practices and beliefs. Dealing with philosopher Swami Dayanand's famous "Satyarth Prakash", the present suit [Sarvadeshik Press v. Usman Ghani and Ors. 2009 (38) PTC 67 (Del.)] dwells on the question of the Civil Court having the jurisdiction to entertain a suit to ban/issue an injunction on the publication of a book, which is in existence and is being published and read for the last 135 years. The ground to impose a ban on the publication of the book was based on the likelihood of the book to disturb public order.

The respondents Usman Ghani and others who consider themselves to be 'public spirited persons' filed a suit with the object of protecting the religious feelings of other persons of the same religion seeking a declaration that publication and distribution of 'Satyarth Prakash' written by Swami Dayanand was injurious to the religious faith of the Muslim Community and