Observing that there appeared to be a “well-orchestrated conspiracy” to defame the judiciary, the Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a complete ban on a Class 8 NCERT textbook containing a chapter on alleged corruption in the judiciary. The court directed that all copies of the book — both physical and digital — be seized.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked, “They have fired the gunshot. The judiciary is bleeding,” a day after the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) apologised for the inappropriate content in the social science textbook and stated that it would be revised in consultation with the appropriate authorities.
The bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, issued show-cause notices to the NCERT Director and the Secretary of the Department of School Education. The court asked them to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against those responsible. Referring to NCERT’s communication on Wednesday, the Chief Justice said it indicated a “deep-rooted, well-orchestrated conspiracy.”
In its strong observations, the bench stated that there appeared to be a calculated attempt to undermine the institution and diminish the dignity of the judiciary. It warned of strict action if its directions were not complied with.
Referring to the contents of the book, the court noted that such material, which could have a lasting impact on the judiciary’s image, may fall within the ambit of criminal contempt. Allowing it to go unchecked, the apex court said, could erode public faith in the judicial system.
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