India's three-decade ban on importing author Salman Rushdie's controversial 'The Satanic Verses' book has effectively been lifted after a court said the government was unable to produce the original notification that imposed the ban.

Delhi High Court rules no evidence of ban on Salman Rushdie`s controversial novel, sparking debate on censorship and free speech.

( MENAFN - Live Mint) Salman Rushdie's controversial 1988 novel The Satanic Verses could become available in India for the first time in decades after a court in Delhi said the government was unable to produce the original notification document that banned imports of the book.

Rushdie's novel was banned in the Asian country in 1988 due to controversy over its depiction of Islam and portrayal of Prophet Muhammad. View on euronews

Says that since authorities failed to produce the relevant notification, it has to be presumed that it does not exist.

The Delhi high court has said that an import ban on author Salman Rushdie’s controversial 1988 book The Satanic Verses appeared to be “non-existent”.

The Delhi High Court has disposed of a writ petition challenging the ban on the import of Salman Rushdie’s book “The Satanic Verses”.

The book was banned in 1988 by the Congress government claiming that it could give rise to law and order problems.