The Chief Justice of India (CJI) has taken a strict view in the NCERT matter and called for a thorough investigation into the issue. He said that, as head of the judiciary, it is his responsibility to identify those responsible. The matter will not be closed until accountability is fixed.
The CJI observed that it appears there was an attempt to damage the reputation of the judiciary as an institution. He said the content seemed designed to create a negative impression in the minds of the public, including young children.
He noted that certain words spoken by a former Chief Justice were deliberately selected to suggest that many corruption cases are filed against the judiciary but are never heard. According to him, this created a misleading picture.
The court also pointed out that when the newspaper which published the article questioned NCERT, the Director defended the content instead of admitting that it was motivated and contained errors.
The CJI further said the material made no mention of the efforts taken by the judiciary over the years to eliminate corruption.
He expressed concern that such content could negatively affect young students and also influence society at large, as textbooks are read by several generations.
The court observed that the matter may amount to criminal contempt, as it appears to interfere with the administration of justice.
Accordingly, the court has issued show cause notices to the Secretary of the School Education Department in the Ministry of Education, and The Director of NCERT.
They have been asked to explain why action should not be taken against them under the Contempt of Courts Act or other relevant legal provisions, if they are found responsible for including the objectionable chapter.
The court has also directed NCERT, in coordination with central and state education departments, to seize and withdraw all copies of the book, whether hard or soft copies, currently in circulation, including those in storage, retail outlets, and educational institutions, and to remove them from public access.
