More than 50 scholars have written to President Droupadi Murmu, alleging that the Supreme Court's ban on a NCERT Class 8 textbook amounts to 'judicial overreach' that 'encroaches upon academic freedom'.
The scholars, including academics from leading institutions, have urged the President to intervene and ask the Union ministry of education to move the apex court to withdraw the ban and waive the 'harsh punishment' imposed on Prof Michel Danino, noted educationist Suparna Diwakar and legal researcher Alok Prasanna Kumar.
They said the issue has the potential for 'far-reaching consequences for Indian education', flagging concerns over both the ban and the action taken against members of the Textbook Development Team (TDT).
The scholars pointed out that the Supreme Court's order constitutes 'judicial overreach', arguing that a book can be banned only through law. They also pointed to a possible breach of 'natural justice', stating that the 'harsh' punitive directions were issued without a hearing and could violate the individuals' fundamental rights, including livelihood.
The signatories suggested that the rest of the book could have been released without the contentious subsection, instead of imposing a blanket ban. They warned that judicial intervention in an 'essentially educational matter' risks creating an 'atmosphere of intimidation'.
In their appeal, they urged the President to have the government seek withdrawal of the ban, allow publication without the disputed chapter, revoke action against the three individuals, and ensure broader academic representation in the review panel.
Academics Urge President to Intervene in NCERT Book Ban Controversy
The 51 signatories urged the President to intervene and waive the “harsh punishment” imposed on Prof Michel Danino, noted educationist Suparna Diwakar and legal researcher Alok Prasanna Kumar.| India News
