The Supreme Court on Wednesday rolled back its earlier order that had blacklisted three academics for their alleged role in a controversy surrounding a chapter on 'corruption in judiciary' in NCERT textbooks. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh, made it clear that the Union government and state governments are free to take their own decisions regarding future association with these experts.
Background of the Case
The controversy erupted when a chapter in the NCERT Class 11 political science textbook titled 'Judiciary' included a section on 'corruption in judiciary'. The academics—Prof. Suhas Palshikar, Prof. Yogendra Yadav, and Prof. Manoj Kumar—were accused of being involved in the drafting or review of the controversial content. The central government had sought action against them, leading to the Supreme Court's initial order blacklisting them from any academic or advisory roles in government institutions.
Supreme Court's Reversal
Acting on applications filed by the academics, the bench clarified that its earlier directive should not be construed as a blanket ban. "We are not imposing any restriction on the Union or state governments from engaging with these academics in any capacity," the court observed. The decision allows the government to independently assess the suitability of the experts for future assignments.
The court also noted that the academics had already expressed regret over the chapter's content and had no intention of undermining the judiciary. The bench emphasized that the matter should be resolved through dialogue rather than punitive measures.
Reactions and Implications
The academics welcomed the decision, stating that it upholds the principles of academic freedom and due process. Prof. Yadav said, "We are grateful that the court recognized our right to fair treatment. The chapter was based on constitutional provisions and not meant to defame any institution."
The government, however, maintained its stance that the chapter contained unverified allegations and needed revision. The NCERT has since revised the textbook, removing the contentious section. Legal experts believe the ruling sets a precedent for handling similar disputes involving academic content and government oversight.
The case highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between academic autonomy and the need to maintain public trust in institutions. The Supreme Court's decision to roll back the blacklisting is seen as a step towards restoring that balance.
