Publishers Rupa agrees to "address" SBAS' concerns

Publishers Rupa today agreed to "address" the concerns regarding a book on Hinduism by US scholar Wendy Doniger put forth by Delhi-based group SBAS which had forced Penguin to recall another book by the same author recently.
R K Mehra, Chairman, Aleph Book Company, operating under parent company Rupa Publishers, today sent a signed letter to Dina Nath Batra, convener of the group, Shiksha Bachao Andolan Samiti (SBAS).
"Upon receiving your objections, we sent these to four scholars independently for reviews as this is common practice in such cases. We expect a response from the concerned scholars next week and shall deal with your concerns as required," said Mehra in a signed letter.

Mehra's response comes in the wake of Batra's email to him dated March 3 as well as a letter dated March 6.
"The book, which is out of stock with us shall not be reissued until the concerns are addressed for an acceptable resolution of the whole matter," Mehra wrote.
In a statement issued by Aleph, Mehra said Batra had "informed us that unlesss we withdraw the book, he would take legal action."

"We told them that once we have receive the reports by the independent writers and scholars we will discuss with the author and the complainant in order to find a solution that satisfies all concerned parties," Mehra said.

The publisher further said "the author concurs with our proposed course of action. We have no further comment to make on the matter."
Dina Nath Batra, convenor SBAS "welcomed" Mehra's response during a press conference in Bangalore today.
"We are not completely satisfied with the response and might move court if need arises," Rajeev Gupta spokesperson SBAS told PTI.
SBAS had on March 1 demanded that the publisher stop sales and pulp all remaining copies of Doniger's 2013 book "On Hinduism" whose contents they alleged were "malicious and offending".
Besides, the group had also demanded an assurance in writing from them on "no future publication" of the book.