Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday expressed regret over the NCERT textbook row, saying that “accountability will be determined” for the incident.
The remarks come after the Supreme Court took strong objection to the controversial portions of the NCERT class 8 textbook, which included a chapter on “Corruption in the Judiciary”.
After the Supreme Court ordered a blanket ban on the textbook, Pradhan said action would be taken against those involved in drafting the chapter on judicial corruption, PTI reported.
Read also | ‘Judiciary is bleeding’: What SC said while banning NCERT Class 8 book over ‘Corruption’ chapter | Top quotes
Pradhan also said that the Center has “great respect” for the judiciary and assured that the court’s directions would be adhered to. The Union Minister of Education said that he was “very sad about what happened,” explaining that “there is no intention to insult the judiciary.”
The Supreme Court, in its order earlier today, had also ordered the immediate confiscation of all physical copies of the textbook and removal of its digital copies.
‘State will have to take responsibility’: SC urges Center to issue removal orders
A day after it automatically took notice of portions in the social sciences textbook, the SC on Thursday said it expects the Center to reform accountability. “We expect the government to issue removal orders. The state will have to bear this responsibility,” the court said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, during the hearing on the matter, confirmed that the two persons involved in preparing the dismissal would no longer be associated with the ministry. However, the Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant called it a “very light-hearted measure”.
Read also | NCERT apology and confiscation of 38 books: Detailed timeline for ‘Judicial Corruption’ chapter
The court noted, “They fired bullets and the judiciary is bleeding today. The judges say their morale has decreased and people are talking about that.” He stressed that the matter will not be limited to students, but will also reach teachers and parents. “It is a deep-rooted conspiracy to discredit the judiciary,” the Supreme Court said.
‘Heads should roll’: SC seeks deeper investigation
The Supreme Court also sought a deeper investigation into the publication of the textbook, noting that it prominently refers to complaints against judges and suggests inaction.
However, the Supreme Court bench said it failed to adequately highlight the role of the judiciary in upholding constitutional morality, the principle of basic structure, legal aid and access to justice. The court requested a “deeper investigation.” “We need to find the person responsible and we will see who is there,” Surya Kant said. “As the head of the organization, I should know who the responsible people are behind it. Heads should roll, I will not end these proceedings,” the CJI said.
