Mon Apr 06 11:12:29 UTC 2026: ### Academics Seek Relief from “Blacklisting” Over NCERT Textbook Content

The Story: Three academics, Michel Danino, Suparna Diwakar, and Alok Prasanna Kumar, have petitioned the Supreme Court to vacate an order that effectively “blacklisted” them. This order stemmed from the court’s suo motu cognizance of a Class 8 NCERT social science textbook chapter that discussed “corruption” within the judiciary. The academics argue that the order casts doubt on their expertise and have submitted affidavits explaining the context and pedagogy behind the inclusion of the content.

Senior Advocates representing the academics argued that the textbook content was part of a broader educational approach consistent with the National Education Policy and that similar issues are addressed in other textbooks concerning the legislature, executive, and Election Commission. The Centre has established a committee, including Justice Indu Malhotra (Retired), Senior Advocate K.K. Venugopal, and Prakash Singh, to review the chapter’s content.

Key Points:

  • Michel Danino, Suparna Diwakar, and Alok Prasanna Kumar seek to overturn a “blacklisting” order.
  • The order arose from a Supreme Court review of a Class 8 NCERT textbook chapter on judicial corruption.
  • The academics argue the content aligns with the National Education Policy and is not unique in addressing challenges faced by different branches of government.
  • The Centre has formed a committee to review the controversial textbook chapter.
  • The Supreme Court has acknowledged the applications but has yet to list them for hearing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The case highlights the sensitivity surrounding the portrayal of governmental institutions, particularly the judiciary, in educational materials.
  • The involvement of the Supreme Court underscores the gravity of the issue and its potential implications for academic freedom and curriculum development.
  • The Centre’s formation of a review committee suggests a willingness to address the concerns raised and seek a balanced resolution.
  • The academics’ defense focuses on the broader pedagogical context and the alignment with national education policies, indicating a strategic approach to mitigating the potential damage to their reputations and careers.

    Read More