Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over Judicial Corruption Textbook and Other Key Issues
Supreme Court's Stance on Educational Material
The Supreme Court has expressed disapproval regarding a new social science textbook for Class 8 published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training, which includes a segment discussing 'corruption in the judiciary.' Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that he would not permit any defamation of the judicial institution, having taken suo moto cognizance of the issue.
Withdrawal of Controversial Textbook
A chapter titled 'The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society' in the textbook identified 'corruption at various levels of the judiciary' as a significant challenge facing the judicial system. Reports emerged on Wednesday indicating that the textbook has been pulled from circulation.
Supreme Court Halts ED Proceedings Against Jharkhand CM
The Supreme Court has put a stop to the criminal proceedings initiated by the Enforcement Directorate against Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is accused of deliberately ignoring multiple summons related to an alleged land scam.
Journalism Under Threat: Alarming Statistics
According to a global media watchdog, 2025 marked the deadliest year for journalists since 1992, with 129 reported killings. Notably, Israel accounted for approximately two-thirds of these fatalities. The report highlighted that journalists are also targeted in non-war zones, including India, due to the persistent failure of government officials to safeguard press freedoms.
Murder of Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar
The report specifically mentioned the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, who operated the YouTube channel Bastar Junction. He was killed on January 1, 2025, allegedly for exposing irregularities in a road construction project in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. His body was discovered in a septic tank on the contractor's property.
Clarification on Voter Roll Verification
The Supreme Court clarified that Class 10 admit cards issued by the West Bengal education board can be used as verification documents during the special intensive revision of voter rolls, provided they are accompanied by the pass certificate. This clarification followed concerns raised by an advocate regarding the acceptability of admit cards as standalone identification.
India's Position on UN Ceasefire Resolution
India was one of 51 nations that chose to abstain from voting on a United Nations General Assembly resolution advocating for an 'immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire' between Russia and Ukraine. However, India reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.