In a stern directive aimed at preserving the institutional integrity of the legal system, the Supreme Court of India on Wednesday ordered all state-funded educational institutions to immediately disassociate from Professor Michel Danino, Chairperson of the NCERT Social Science Curriculum, and two other members. The bench observed that the inclusion of “offending” content regarding judicial corruption in Class 8 textbooks appeared to be a “calculated move” to demean the dignity of the judiciary.
Background of the Case
The matter arose from a suo motu cognizance taken by the apex court regarding Chapter IV of the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook. The Court had previously noted that the content portrayed the Indian judiciary in a negative light, specifically targeting students at an “impressionable age.” On February 26, the Court had already imposed a “complete blanket ban” on the publication and distribution of the book, describing the content as part of a “deep-rooted conspiracy.”
The Court’s Observations and Analysis
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi expressed serious doubts about the intent and competence of the curriculum finalization committee.
The Court stated:
“At the outset we have no reason to doubt that professor Michel Danino along with Ms Diwakar and Mr Alok Prasanna Kumar either does not reasonable knowledge about Indian judiciary or they deliberately knowingly misrepresented the facts in order to project a negative image of Indian judiciary before students of Class 8 who are at an impressionable age.”
The bench further emphasized that individuals responsible for such content should not be supported by the exchequer:
“There is no reason as to why such persons be associated in any manner with preparation of curriculum or finalisation of text book for the next generation. We direct union, all states, all institutions receiving state funds, to disassociate them from rendering any service which would mean payment to them from public funds.”
Proceedings and Government Response
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, informed the bench that systemic reforms have been initiated. He assured the Court that “nothing will be published without being vetted by domain experts” and that a panel of experts would be constituted to examine the curriculum.
The Court also noted that the Director of NCERT has filed an affidavit tendering an “unconditional and unqualified apology” for the controversial chapter. The NCERT confirmed that the entire book has been withdrawn and is no longer available in digital or physical formats.
The Decision
The Supreme Court mandated the following:
- Immediate Disassociation: All central and state-funded institutes must cease any professional engagement with Professor Michel Danino, Ms. Diwakar, and Mr. Alok Prasanna Kumar.
- Seizure of Materials: All digital and hard copies of the textbook must be seized from schools and retail outlets.
- Compliance Reports: School principals and state education secretaries are required to submit formal reports confirming compliance with the withdrawal of the books.
- Expert Review: The Court suggested that the Centre constitute an independent expert committee to review the school curriculum, rather than leaving the task solely to the NCERT.
