Third, belief is not a matter of will. We cannot oblige other people to think about history or theology in a particular manner. All we can hope is that their conclusions about religion are made in good faith, not a product of willful misinterpretation. But the line between good-faith inquiry and demeaning conclusions is very thin in the eyes of most adherents.

Finally, the form that the demand for respect takes is inherently competitive in two ways. First, it constantly escalates. We have gone from a state where outrage used to be expressed against grossly malicious representations, to a state where ordinary historical discussion can occasion outrage. Religious groups are quick to defend against any offense, but are silent when others are offended. Muslim groups rarely protest appalling representations of the West or of Jews. In short, the politics of respect is not a universal ethic. It is instead a competitive game where different religious groups show how much power they have by demanding respect. Even in this case, as in every other, from Taslima Nasreen to Rushdie, from M.F. Hussain, to Naryanna, the politics of respect will get communalised. Some groups are already alleging that the editor was arrested because Muslims found the article offensive.

This law infantilises society. Article 295 was enacted in colonial times. The assumption was that we are so infantile that we will be easily driven to violence if there is the slightest slight of religious sentiments. Alas, the British were right. When it comes to religious exchange we demonstrate time and again that we are not self possessed: our reason will be disabled, or passions inflamed. So we need to curb our liberties. There is also something offensive from a religious point of view about people getting offended so easily. I thought true piety consisted in the fact that we have given over our lives to God; it is for HIM/HER to protect us, not for us to assume that God need's our protection. This was apparently the consolation the Devi at Khir Bhawani in Kashmir gave Swami Vivekanada, when he was momentarily distraught at learning about temple destruction in medieival India. The Devi is supposed to have asked, "Do you need my protection or do I need yours." God will survive criticism; unfortunately it is us humans who cannot take it. The arrest of the Statesman Editor is a scandal.