Supreme Court Bans Controversial Textbook; Assam CM Faces Hate Speech Allegations
Supreme Court's Ruling on Textbook
The Supreme Court has prohibited the publication and distribution of a Class 8 social science textbook that contained a segment addressing 'corruption in the judiciary.' The court instructed both the Union government and state education departments to ensure that all versions of the book, whether printed or digital, are removed from circulation.
In response, the Union government expressed regret to the court, stating that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the book's publisher, has retracted it.
Additionally, the court issued a contempt notice to the Department of School Education and NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklan, demanding the names of individuals involved in the creation of the contentious chapter.
Gauhati High Court's Inquiry into Hate Speech Claims
The Gauhati High Court has requested a response from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding petitions that call for action against him for alleged hate speech directed at Muslims. The bench noted that the remarks attributed to the Bharatiya Janata Party leader, as cited by the petitioners, indicate a 'fissiparous tendency.'
The court has also issued notices to both the Centre and the Assam government, seeking their input on the issue. Recently, Sarma has made several statements targeting Bengali-origin Muslims in Assam, claiming it is his responsibility to 'make them suffer.'
Kerala High Court Halts Film Release
The Kerala High Court has put a hold on the release of the film *The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond*, which was scheduled for release on Friday. The court expressed concerns that the film could disrupt communal harmony.
Upon initial review, the Central Board of Film Certification was found to have overlooked guidelines for film clearance, prompting the court to ask for a re-evaluation of the film's certification. The film reportedly portrays women from various states being enticed into relationships with Muslim men and pressured into converting their religion.
Azim Premji University Student Council Responds to Police Complaint
The Student Council at Azim Premji University has characterized the police complaint against individuals planning an event related to Kashmir as indicative of 'an asymmetry in outcomes.' This follows a police complaint filed by university authorities against the Spark Reading Circle APU for organizing an event discussing the February 1991 Kunan Poshpora incident without prior permission.
While acknowledging that organizing an event without administrative approval may breach protocol, the council argued that such issues should be resolved internally rather than through a police FIR. The General Student Body expressed that the university administration's unexpected and severe reactions have created an atmosphere of fear and distrust among students.
Congress Critiques Modi's Speech in Israel
The Congress party has condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Israeli Parliament, asserting that it undermined India's moral authority. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh described the speech as an 'unabashed defense' of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During his address, Modi affirmed India's unwavering support for Israel, stating that New Delhi stands 'firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond.' Ramesh referenced an article by Israeli lawyer and human rights advocate Eitay Mack, which criticized Modi for appearing as a leader of a minor state seeking favor from a global power, highlighting the shortcomings of the Prime Minister's address to the Knesset.