At a time when authors like Perumal Murugan and publishers like Penguin and Aleph have faced objections from groups for certain books, the role of a publisher has come to be seen more as one upholding freedom of speech. Publisher and chief editor of Harper Collins India Ltd. Karthika V.K., who was in the city for the Hyderabad Literary Festival (HLF), spoke to YUNUS Y. LASANIA on such incidents.
How is the publisher affected when groups protest violently, or take the legal route against books?
It takes a toll on the publisher as it creates unnecessary problems, and the spectre of self-censorship looms on our heads. However, I think, except for a few incidents, by and large books get published without problems.
Given recent protests against Perumal Murugan and Wendy Doniger, what do you think of IPC Section 295(A)?
What can one say, except that it is absurd. One should have the right to say what one wants to. At the most, we can agree to disagree. Freedom of speech is absolute. About Perumal, the law has to be free and fair, but when it is made to hinder, it is self-defeating.
Do you foresee any problems for writers and publishers in the future?
I think there is a sense that there could be trouble for creators of content, and that the printer and publisher have to be very careful.
Why do you think books on religion are often targeted?
Books are an easy target, and everyone has an opinion on them. But who is there to protect the publisher and printer?
I think there is a sense that there could be trouble for creators of content, and that the printer and publisher have to be very careful
- Karthika V.K.
Chief Editor, Harper Collins India Ltd.
