Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s first reaction on SC’s NCERT ruling: ‘Court directives will be followed’

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

• Supreme Court bans NCERT class 8 book on judiciary corruption
• Centre and states ordered to comply with SC directive immediately
• SC threatens action, demands explanation from NCERT officials

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After the Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a complete ban on further publication, printing or digital dissemination of NCERT class 8 book which includes a section on “corruption in the judiciary”, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the top court’s directive will be followed.

“We have utmost respect for the judiciary, the court's directives will be complied with,” Pradhan told PTI.

Asked about the issue, BJP national spokesperson Sabmit Patra said, As far as the NCERT issue is concerned, it's a sensitive matter. I would like to put forth the party's stand as its spokesperson that there is no other institution, I would say not only in India but in this whole world, that is as independent and as deserving as the Indian judiciary is. We all have a feeling of great respect and pride towards the Indian judiciary, and this is the feeling in everyone's heart," he told reporters at the BJP headquarters here.

Patra said that during the hearing of the matter in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also asserted that the government is with the judiciary and stands by it.

"And, we also do 'pranam' to the judiciary. Given the impartiality with which the Indian judiciary functions, we should always respect and stand with the judiciary of the country," the BJP leader added.

The apex court ordered that the Centre and state authorities comply with its directions immediately, and warned of "serious action" if directions are defied in any form.

The top court also issued show cause notices to NCERT director, school education secretary to explain why action should be not taken against those responsible.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant said there seemed to be a calculated move to undermine institution and demean dignity of judiciary.

The bench said such misconduct, having everlasting impact on judiciary, would fall within definition of criminal contempt. "We would like to have a deeper probe," the bench said.

The court said that if allowed to go unchecked, this will erode people's faith in judiciary. "No one will be allowed to go scot-free." The CJI said, "It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll." CJI Surya Kant said there appears to be a deep-rooted, well planned conspiracy to defame the judiciary.

Taking exception to the NCERT's Wednesday communication, the SC said there was not a single word of apology in it, and instead, they have tried to justified it.

At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of Ministry of education.

The bench posted the mater for further hearing on March 11.