The Supreme Court has mandated immediate and comprehensive withdrawal of a disputed Class 8 Social Science textbook, directing the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to collaborate with both Union and state education authorities.

This order entails the removal of all copies, whether physical or digital, from schools, retail outlets, and online platforms across the country. The court has emphasized the urgency of this compliance, stating that any delay will not be accepted.

Responsibility for Seizure and Reporting

The Chief Justice has placed the onus on the NCERT Director to implement the immediate seizure of all copies that have already been distributed to educational institutions. A formal compliance report is required to be submitted to the court.

Furthermore, Principal Secretaries of Education in every state have been instructed to enforce this order and provide their own compliance status within a two-week timeframe. The court has made it clear that this withdrawal must not be perceived as merely a symbolic act but requires active enforcement.

Prohibition on Teaching from the Withdrawn Textbook

In a decisive move, the court has explicitly forbidden any form of teaching based on the withdrawn textbook, regardless of its availability. Educators are not allowed to utilize either the physical or digital versions for instructional purposes. This directive aims to ensure that the contentious material does not continue to be disseminated indirectly within the educational framework.

Comprehensive Ban on Production and Distribution

In a precautionary measure, the Supreme Court has instituted a blanket ban on the production and distribution of the textbook in question. Any future attempt to distribute the material, whether in physical or digital formats, is to be treated as a blatant violation of the court’s order.

This places significant legal implications on any entities that might disregard the ruling, potentially leading to severe consequences.

Request for Information on Involvement and Accountability

The court has tasked the NCERT Director with providing the names and qualifications of the National Syllabi Board members who were involved in drafting the contentious chapter. Additionally, the court has requested the original minutes from the meetings where the chapter was discussed and finalized. These documents are to be presented at the next hearing.

A show cause notice has also been issued to the Secretary of the Department of School Education and another high-ranking official, urging them to explain why action should not be taken against them or others accountable for the contentious chapter under the Contempt of Courts Act or other relevant laws.

Judicial Response to Educational Content Controversy

This series of directives represents one of the most decisive judicial actions concerning school textbooks in recent years. What initially started as a discussion around educational content has escalated into a significant legal matter, emphasizing compliance timelines, personal accountability, and the potential for contempt proceedings against individuals involved in the chapter’s creation.

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