The Supreme Court on Thursday continued its criticism of the NCERT over the controversial chapter on Judiciary in Class 8 Social Science book. The top court has asserted that apology alone is not enough, further directing the authorities to set the responsibility. While reiterating that the references of corruption and backlog was there to defame the judiciary, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant stated that the matter will not be closed until the responsibility is set.
"We issue show cause notice to the secretary to the department of school education, and to Dr Dinesh Prasad... as to why suitable action either under contempt of courts act or any other law should not be initiated against them or those who are behind the offending chapters," CJI Surya Kant stated, reported Bar and Bench.
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"It seems to us that there is a calculated move to undermine the institutional authority and demean the dignity of the judiciary. This, if allowed to go unchecked will erode the sanctity of judicial office in estimation of public at large and within impressionable minds of youth," he further stated.
He further pointed out that the book took a portion of the former CJI BR Gavai's speech to justify the chapter, adding that the NCERT did not mention the actions taken over the years. The Chief Justice of India emphasised that rather than issuing an apology, the NCERT justified its action in the press release, adding that it was his responsibility to identify the offender.
However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta issued an unconditional apology on behalf of the education ministry, further assuring that necessary steps were being taken into the matter.