Mumbai: Oxford Printing Press today (Apr 16, 2004) informed the Bombay High Court that US-based author James Laine was prepared to tender an apology for making derogatory references to Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji in the controversial book 'Shivaji: Hindu king in Islamic India' and assured that it was also ready to withdraw the objectionable portion from the publication.

Senior counsel Mahesh Jethmalani and Pranav Badheka, appearing for Oxford Printing Press, submitted a draft of their affidavit to Justice S Radhakrishna and Justice R S Mohite who adjourned the matter to April 27 as the State of Maharashtra sought time to consider it for arriving at an amicable solution.

Expressing regrets, Oxford Printing Press assured the court that the alleged derogatory reference to Shivaji would not be published in all the future editions of the book and would be withdrawn from the existing editions.

It further said the author was also ready to tender a fresh apology and added that the objectionable portion was not based on any historical research.

Counsel for the State Shekhar Naphade said that he would hold consultations with the chief secretary after going through the draft submitted by Oxford Printing Press and explore the possibility of arriving at an amicable solution.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Oxford Printing Press and its India representative Mazhar Khan urging for a direction to the Pune police to quash the FIR registered against them.