The Supreme Court has withdrawn parts of an earlier order that barred three academics from collaborating on educational materials. The court announced this modification on October 26, 2023 .
Court Eases Restrictions on Textbook Experts
The Supreme Court removed a directive that previously told governments and institutions to cease involvement with Professor Michel Danino, Suparna Diwakar, and Alok Prasanna Kumar. It also rescinded a statement suggesting the experts intentionally misrepresented facts.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued the revised order. Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi were also part of the bench. The court stated that explanations from the three authors led to the modification of its initial order. Public institutions are now free to work with the academics.
The court clarified its earlier remarks about deliberate misrepresentation no longer apply. Governments are free to make their own decisions independently. They will not be bound by the court's previous order.
Background of the NCERT Textbook Controversy
The issue began in February 2026 . Media reports focused on a chapter in the NCERT Class 8 textbook, "Exploring Society: India and Beyond." The chapter discussed the judiciary's role in society. It reportedly contained content about corruption within the judiciary.
The Supreme Court took automatic notice of the matter. NCERT later called the inclusion an unintentional error. The organization removed the disputed section from the textbook. Previously, the court had banned the book's production and distribution. It had also prohibited the three experts from future textbook work.
The latest order eases these restrictions. The court has withdrawn the direct limitations placed on the three academics.
