SC bans NCERT book over chapter on judiciary corruption, orders copies' seizure, digital takedown
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on class 8 NCERT book carrying a chapter on corruption in the judiciary, and ordered a seizure of all physical copies, along with takedown of its digital forms.
The apex court ordered that the Centre and state authorities comply with its directions immediately, and warned of "serious action" if directions are defied in any form.
The top court issued show cause notices to NCERT director, school education secretary to explain why action should be not taken against those responsible.
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A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant said there seemed to be a calculated move to undermine institution and demean dignity of judiciary.
The bench said such misconduct, having everlasting impact on judiciary, would fall within definition of criminal contempt.
"We would like to have a deeper probe," the bench said.
The court said that if allowed to go unchecked, this will erode people's faith in judiciary. "No one will be allowed to go scot-free."
The CJI said, "It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll."
CJI Surya Kant said there appears to be a deep-rooted, well planned conspiracy to defame the judiciary.
Taking exception to the NCERT's Wednesday communication, the SC said there was not a single word of apology in it, and instead, they have tried to justified it.
At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of Ministry of education.
The bench posted the mater for further hearing on march 11.
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BJP will win West Bengal polls, drive out every single infiltrator: Amit Shah
Araria (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday exuded confidence that the BJP will win the upcoming assembly polls in West Bengal, and “drive out every single infiltrator” from the state after coming to power.
Shah made the remark while addressing a function of the Sashastra Seema Bal in Araria district of Bihar, which falls in the Seemanchal region bordering West Bengal.
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“Elections are around the corner in West Bengal. I am confident that the BJP is going to win. Upon formation of the new government, we shall drive out every single infiltrator,” he asserted.
“The process of flushing out infiltrators will begin in Bihar, especially in the Seemanchal region. We had won the assembly polls here last year on this very issue. And, we got the mandate even though opponents were criticising our agenda,” the home minister said.
Shah said infiltration is a threat to national security, and infiltrators also threaten the demographic balance of an area, feed on ration, and avail other benefits meant for common people.
“Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Assam are the most vulnerable to such demographic disturbance. The Narendra Modi government is committed to maintain demographic balance,” Shah said.
He began his speech by paying rich tributes to legendary freedom fighter and Hindutva icon Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on his death anniversary.
“The Revolt of 1857 came to be seen as India’s First War of Independence only after Savarkar... wrote a book asserting the same,” Shah added.
