Ban on Jaswant Singh's book was unnecessary and unwanted

As soon as the book by Jaswant Singh - Jinnah - India, Partition, Independence- came in the market it was banned by the Gujarat government. Though no one had (could) read the book in a day time when the order came from the CM office to ban the book but there is always issue why to ban a book. In some cases, it makes sense in the interest of public. For example, India banned Salman Russdie's book, Satanic verses but that was different case altogether. It is debatable if satanic verses would have really caused any harm to the public.

Time has also changed so banning a book in one state is not that effective any more. Ban by Gujarat government only said that publication, distribution and sale of the book was not allowed in the state. This did not and could not ban reading the booking in Gujarat. Anyone can buy from neighbouring state or online and read the book. How can state government stop this? It is out of its jurisdiction to stop people from reading whatever they like to. So it makes ban ineffective in current time.

Secondly, who was going to read the book anyway? If the book was not made controversial then there was possibility that a very few people would have read the book. Even after all this high drama, only a very few elite and intellectual class will read the book. This book is not going to be part of university curriculum in near future. As, some sources say that Modi was afraid that (allegedly) negative role of Patel described in the book might hurt his chances of winning in by-polls election. He is too paranoid after the parties poor performance in Lok Sabha election to ignore such small issues like a book. Masses are not going to read this book and make their judgement who to vote.

Finally, some relief has come from Gujarat high court that has lifted the ban on the book.