Sahitya Akademi cancels awards on govt's directions, sparks row

Sahitya Akademi cancelled the announcement of its literary awards at the last minute on Thursday after receiving a directive from the Union Ministry of Culture. The Ministry stated that the restructuring of awards was to be done, without which awards can't be announced. CPI(M) chief MA Baby slammed the move, stating, "Akademi...is on its knees for the government's permission".