Kerala’s Education Minister V Sivankutty welcomed the Supreme Court’s ban on an NCERT Class 8 textbook. The book allegedly contained remarks disrespecting the judiciary. Sivankutty also called for an investigation into recent NCERT textbook revisions.
Supreme Court Orders Ban
On Thursday, the Supreme Court banned an NCERT Class 8 book. The book included a chapter on corruption in the judiciary. The court ordered the seizure of all physical copies. It also demanded the removal of digital versions. The Center and state authorities must comply immediately. The court warned of serious action for non-compliance.
The Supreme Court issued show cause notices. These notices are for the NCERT Director and the school education secretary. They must explain why action should not be taken against those responsible.
Kerala Minister Demands Probe
Minister Sivankutty stated the ban is a strong stand against undermining the judiciary. He called misleading students about the judicial system a serious offense. He described content belittling the judiciary as unfortunate.
“The younger generation must be taught to respect constitutional institutions,” Sivankutty said in a Facebook post. He demanded an independent expert committee examine all recent NCERT textbook revisions and deletions. This review should check for attempts to distort history and constitutional values.
History of Revisions
Kerala previously opposed unilateral deletions by NCERT. The state published additional textbooks. These incorporated key portions removed by NCERT.
Sivankutty stated those who prepared and approved the controversial content should face strict action. He believes the NCERT Director and others must answer the court’s questions. Kerala’s position is that a comprehensive inquiry is needed. This inquiry should be under Supreme Court supervision. The state will not allow communalism or anti-constitutional tendencies in education.