Stand-up comedian Varun Grover criticized the Supreme Court’s recent directive targeting NCERT officials involved in a controversial judiciary chapter, calling the measures insufficient and proposing harsher penalties in a sarcastic tweet.
Varun Grover’s Sharp Response
Varun Grover reacted to the Supreme Court’s order by stating, “Not enough.” He sarcastically added, “I think public lashings and desh-nikaala should be added to the punishment.” The comment highlights his view that the court’s actions fall short in addressing the issue.
Supreme Court Directive
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant ordered the central government, all state governments, and publicly funded institutions to remove Professor Michel Danino, NCERT’s social science curriculum chairperson, along with educator Suparna Diwakar and legal researcher Alok Prasanna Kumar from any curriculum development roles.
The court prohibited these individuals from providing services to publicly funded entities if compensated by public funds. It observed that they either lacked reasonable knowledge of the Indian judiciary or deliberately misrepresented facts, projecting a negative image to impressionable Class 8 students.
“There is no reason as to why such persons be associated in any manner with preparation of curriculum or finalisation of text book for the next generation,” the court stated, directing dissociation from such activities.
Judiciary Chapter Controversy
The dispute centers on Chapter IV, “The Role of Judiciary in our Society,” in NCERT’s Class 8 social science textbook “Exploring Society: India and Beyond” (Part II). The chapter addressed judicial challenges, including case backlogs, judge shortages, and corruption allegations.
NCERT withdrew the entire book and issued an unconditional apology, stating, “The Director and Members of NCERT hereby tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for the said Chapter IV. The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate the understanding of all stakeholders.”
The council reaffirmed its commitment to high standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational content.
On February 27, the Supreme Court imposed a complete ban on further publication, reprinting, or digital circulation of the textbook, describing the references to judicial corruption as “offending.” It noted that “a gunshot has been fired and the institution is bleeding.” NCERT then advised students to return copies to its headquarters.
