Supreme Court bans NCERT textbook for biased content, orders seizure
SC orders ban and seizure of NCERT Class 8 textbook.
The Supreme Court has banned an NCERT Class 8 social science textbook and ordered the immediate seizure of all copies due to a section that portrays the judiciary as corrupt. The court initiated contempt action and demanded accountability, expressing concern over the potential for bias against the judiciary in young minds. The Solicitor-General offered an unconditional apology. However, the court insisted on a deeper probe to identify those responsible for what it termed a 'calculated move' to undermine the judiciary's integrity.
The specific textbook in question is a Class 8 social science textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The problematic section allegedly depicted the judiciary in a negative light, suggesting corruption within the system. This portrayal raised serious concerns about the potential impact on young students' perceptions of the judiciary and the rule of law.
The Supreme Court's strong response, including the order for immediate seizure and the initiation of contempt proceedings, underscores the gravity of the situation. The court's insistence on identifying those responsible for the biased content signals a commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary and preventing the dissemination of misinformation, especially to children. The case highlights the importance of ensuring accuracy and impartiality in educational materials, particularly those used in schools. This issue is relevant for UPSC exams, particularly in the Polity & Governance section of GS Paper II.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court banned an NCERT Class 8 social science textbook.
The ban was due to a section portraying the judiciary as corrupt.
The court ordered immediate seizure of all copies of the textbook.
The court initiated contempt action against those responsible.
The Solicitor-General offered an unconditional apology.
The court insisted on a deeper probe to identify those responsible for undermining the judiciary's integrity.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II (Polity & Governance): Role of NCERT, issues related to the judiciary, constitutional principles
Connects to syllabus areas on education policy, judicial accountability, and fundamental rights
Potential question types: analytical questions on the role of NCERT, critical evaluation of judicial independence, and statement-based questions on constitutional provisions
In Simple Words
The Supreme Court found a school textbook that showed judges as corrupt. Because this could make kids distrust the courts, the court banned the book. They also want to find out who put that wrong information in the book.
India Angle
In India, people rely on courts to settle disputes fairly. If textbooks teach children that courts are corrupt, it can damage their faith in the justice system. This can affect how people resolve conflicts in their communities and daily lives.
For Instance
Imagine a referee in a cricket match being shown as biased in a school lesson. Players might lose faith in the game's fairness. Similarly, a biased textbook can erode trust in the judiciary.
If people don't trust the courts, they might take the law into their own hands. A fair justice system is important for a peaceful and orderly society.
Protecting the integrity of our courts starts with what our children learn.
Expert Analysis
The Supreme Court's ban on an NCERT textbook highlights the critical role of educational materials in shaping young minds and upholding the integrity of institutions. Several key concepts are relevant to understanding this issue.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), established in 1961, is an autonomous organization responsible for advising the Central and State Governments on policies and programs related to school education. Its primary role is to prepare and publish model textbooks, supplementary material, and other educational resources. The controversy surrounding the Class 8 textbook underscores the importance of NCERT's role in ensuring that educational content is accurate, unbiased, and promotes a positive understanding of India's institutions, including the judiciary. The court's action directly challenges NCERT's oversight in this instance.
The Rule of Law is a fundamental principle of governance in India, enshrined in the Constitution. It implies that every citizen, including those in government, is subject to and accountable under the law. The portrayal of the judiciary as corrupt in the NCERT textbook directly contradicts the principle of the Rule of Law, as it undermines the public's trust in the impartiality and integrity of the judicial system. The Supreme Court's intervention is a direct defense of the Rule of Law, ensuring that educational materials do not erode this foundational principle.
Contempt of Court refers to the offense of disobeying or disrespecting the authority, justice, and dignity of the court. It is defined under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The Supreme Court's initiation of contempt action against those responsible for the biased content in the textbook demonstrates the seriousness with which it views any attempt to undermine the judiciary's reputation. This action serves as a deterrent against future attempts to disseminate misinformation or cast aspersions on the integrity of the courts.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding the roles and responsibilities of institutions like NCERT, the significance of the Rule of Law, and the concept of Contempt of Court are crucial. Questions related to these topics can appear in both Prelims and Mains exams, particularly in the Polity and Governance sections. Aspirants should be aware of the constitutional provisions and legal frameworks that underpin these concepts.
Visual Insights
Key Actions by Supreme Court
Highlights the Supreme Court's actions regarding the NCERT textbook controversy.
- Action Taken
- Banned NCERT textbook
- Order
- Seizure of all copies
- Action
- Contempt action initiated
Demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to preventing biased content in education.
Ensures immediate removal of the textbook from circulation.
Highlights the seriousness with which the court views the issue.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been increasing scrutiny of the content of school textbooks, with concerns raised about historical inaccuracies, biased representations, and the inclusion of partisan viewpoints. Several committees and expert groups have been formed to review and revise textbooks to ensure that they are accurate, objective, and aligned with the values of the Constitution.
The Ministry of Education has been actively promoting the development of a new National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which will guide the creation of textbooks and other educational materials. The NCF aims to promote a more holistic and inclusive approach to education, with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The revised textbooks are expected to be aligned with the NCF and incorporate the latest research and pedagogical practices.
Looking ahead, it is likely that there will be continued efforts to improve the quality and relevance of school textbooks. The focus will be on ensuring that textbooks are accurate, unbiased, and promote a positive understanding of India's history, culture, and institutions. There will also be greater emphasis on incorporating technology and digital resources into the curriculum to enhance the learning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the Supreme Court take such a drastic step as banning an NCERT textbook and ordering its seizure? What was so problematic about it?
The Supreme Court took this step because a section of the Class 8 social science textbook portrayed the judiciary as corrupt. The court felt this could bias young minds against the judiciary and undermine its integrity, hence the strong action.
2. How does this textbook ban relate to the broader issues of curriculum development and academic freedom in India?
This incident highlights the ongoing debate about the content of school textbooks. Concerns about historical inaccuracies, biased representations, and partisan viewpoints have led to increased scrutiny and revisions of textbooks. It raises questions about balancing academic freedom with the need for objective and accurate educational materials.
3. What specific facts related to this case could be asked in the Prelims exam, and what would be a common trap?
A question could focus on the name of the textbook publisher (NCERT) or the class for which the textbook was intended (Class 8). A common trap would be to confuse NCERT with another educational organization or to misremember the class level.
Exam Tip
Remember NCERT is for school education. Don't confuse it with bodies dealing with higher education.
4. If a Mains question asks me to 'Critically examine the role of NCERT in ensuring unbiased education,' what points should I include?
Your answer should include: * NCERT's mandate to develop unbiased educational materials. * Recent controversies surrounding textbook content. * The need for periodic review and revision of textbooks. * The importance of incorporating diverse perspectives. * The impact of biased content on students' understanding of society and governance.
- •NCERT का निष्पक्ष शिक्षण सामग्री विकसित करने का जनादेश।
- •पाठ्यपुस्तक सामग्री के आसपास हाल के विवाद।
- •पाठ्यपुस्तकों की समय-समय पर समीक्षा और संशोधन की आवश्यकता।
- •विविध दृष्टिकोणों को शामिल करने का महत्व।
- •समाज और शासन की छात्रों की समझ पर पक्षपातपूर्ण सामग्री का प्रभाव।
Exam Tip
Structure your answer with an introduction outlining NCERT's role, followed by a balanced discussion of its successes and failures, and conclude with suggestions for improvement.
5. What is 'contempt of court,' and why did the Supreme Court initiate it in this case?
Contempt of court refers to the offense of disobeying or disrespecting a court's authority. The Supreme Court initiated contempt action because it viewed the biased portrayal of the judiciary as a deliberate attempt to undermine its integrity, thus obstructing the administration of justice.
6. How does this incident reflect on the autonomy and accountability of NCERT?
This incident raises questions about NCERT's internal mechanisms for ensuring the accuracy and objectivity of its textbooks. It suggests a need for greater accountability in the curriculum development process and stricter oversight to prevent the inclusion of biased or misleading content.
7. What are the potential long-term consequences of biased textbook content on Indian society and its democratic institutions?
Biased textbook content can lead to: * Distorted perceptions of history and current events. * Erosion of trust in institutions like the judiciary. * Reinforcement of social prejudices and stereotypes. * Hindrance to critical thinking and informed decision-making among citizens.
- •इतिहास और वर्तमान घटनाओं की विकृत धारणाएँ।
- •न्यायपालिका जैसे संस्थानों में विश्वास का क्षरण।
- •सामाजिक पूर्वाग्रहों और रूढ़ियों का सुदृढीकरण।
- •नागरिकों के बीच आलोचनात्मक सोच और सूचित निर्णय लेने में बाधा।
8. How does the Solicitor-General's unconditional apology factor into the Supreme Court's decision-making process?
While the apology might have been a mitigating factor, the Supreme Court's insistence on a deeper probe suggests that it viewed the issue as more than just a mistake. The court likely wanted to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future, regardless of the apology.
9. In which GS paper of the UPSC Mains exam is this news item most relevant, and from what angle should I prepare it?
This news is most relevant to GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance). Prepare it from the angle of judicial independence, the role of NCERT in shaping public opinion, and the importance of unbiased education in a democracy.
Exam Tip
Focus on the constitutional aspects and the potential impact on governance.
10. What should aspirants watch for in the coming months regarding this issue?
Aspirants should monitor: * The outcome of the Supreme Court's probe into the matter. * Any changes or revisions to NCERT textbooks. * Government policies or initiatives aimed at ensuring unbiased education. * Debates and discussions on curriculum reform and academic freedom.
- •मामले में सुप्रीम कोर्ट की जांच का परिणाम।
- •NCERT की पाठ्यपुस्तकों में कोई भी बदलाव या संशोधन।
- •निष्पक्ष शिक्षा सुनिश्चित करने के उद्देश्य से सरकारी नीतियां या पहल।
- •पाठ्यक्रम सुधार और अकादमिक स्वतंत्रता पर बहस और चर्चा।
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT): 1. It is an autonomous organization established by the Government of India in 1961. 2. It advises only the Central Government on matters related to school education. 3. It is responsible for developing curriculum and textbooks for schools across the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is CORRECT: NCERT was established in 1961 as an autonomous organization by the Government of India. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: NCERT advises both the Central and State Governments on matters related to school education. Statement 3 is CORRECT: NCERT is responsible for developing curriculum and textbooks for schools across the country.
2. In the context of the recent Supreme Court order regarding an NCERT textbook, what does 'Contempt of Court' primarily imply?
- A.Disagreement with a court's judgment
- B.Criticism of the judiciary in academic publications
- C.Disobeying or disrespecting the authority and dignity of the court
- D.Filing a petition against a court order
Show Answer
Answer: C
Contempt of Court refers to the offense of disobeying or disrespecting the authority, justice, and dignity of the court. It is defined under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The Supreme Court's initiation of contempt action demonstrates the seriousness with which it views any attempt to undermine the judiciary's reputation.
3. Which of the following statements best describes the 'Rule of Law' in the Indian context?
- A.The government can make any law it deems necessary
- B.All individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable under the law
- C.The judiciary is above the law
- D.Laws are only applicable to ordinary citizens, not government officials
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Rule of Law is a fundamental principle of governance in India, enshrined in the Constitution. It implies that every citizen, including those in government, is subject to and accountable under the law. This ensures fairness, equality, and justice in the application of laws.
Source Articles
SC bans Class 8 textbook, orders seizure of copies - The Hindu
Supreme Court orders blanket ban on NCERT textbook with chapter on ‘corruption’ in judiciary - The Hindu
NCERT textbook content shows ‘deep-rooted conspiracy’ to show judiciary as corrupt: Supreme Court - The Hindu
SC hearing on NCERT Class 8 textbook, updates: Supreme Court orders blanket ban on NCERT textbook with chapter on 'corruption' in judiciary - The Hindu
Watch: Supreme Court bans NCERT class 8 books with controversial chapter on judiciary - The Hindu
About the Author
Anshul MannPublic Policy Enthusiast & UPSC Analyst
Anshul Mann writes about Polity & Governance at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.
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