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The Supreme Court of India initiated suo motu proceedings against an NCERT Class 8 textbook.
The action was prompted by the textbook's references to alleged corruption within the judiciary.
The apex court ordered the banning of the controversial book and formed a committee to review its content.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between judicial integrity, academic freedom, and freedom of expression.
A legal term meaning 'on its own motion.' It refers to an action taken by a court on its own initiative, without any formal petition or application from a party. This power allows courts to address matters of public importance or injustice that might otherwise go unaddressed.
Simple Analogy: Imagine a teacher noticing a problem in the classroom and addressing it directly, without a student complaining first.
Defined by the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, it refers to any act that obstructs the administration of justice or lowers the authority of the court. It can be civil (willful disobedience of court orders) or criminal (scandalizing the court, interfering with judicial proceedings, or obstructing justice).
Simple Analogy: Disrespecting a referee's decision in a game, or deliberately trying to disrupt the game itself.
The highest judicial body in India, established under the Constitution. It acts as the guardian of the Constitution, interpreter of laws, and has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions. It also has the power to punish for its own contempt (Article 129).
An autonomous organization set up by the Government of India in 1961. Its primary role is to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education, including preparing and publishing textbooks and educational materials.
This Act defines and limits the powers of certain courts in punishing contempt of court and regulates their procedure in relation thereto. It distinguishes between civil and criminal contempt. An amendment in 2006 allowed 'truth' as a defense in contempt cases if it is in public interest and invoked in good faith.
Declares the Supreme Court as a 'Court of Record' and grants it the power to punish for its own contempt.
Similarly grants High Courts the power to punish for their own contempt.
This fundamental right is subject to reasonable restrictions, including those related to contempt of court, defamation, public order, etc.
The incident sparks a debate on how to ensure judicial accountability without undermining judicial independence, a cornerstone of the Indian democratic system.
The role of NCERT and the government in shaping educational content and its implications for critical thinking and civic understanding among students.
The broader implications for freedom of expression when institutions react to critical portrayals, extending beyond textbooks to media and public discourse.
GS-II Polity (Judiciary, Fundamental Rights), Governance (Role of Institutions), Social Justice (Education)
General Awareness (Indian Polity, Static GK on Institutions)
General Awareness (Indian Polity, Current Affairs)
General Awareness (Indian Polity, Static GK)
General Knowledge (Indian Polity, Current Affairs)
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017? 1. Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave. 2. Enterprises with crèches must allow the mother minimum six crèche visits daily. 3. Women with two children get reduced entitlements. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: 3 only
Consider the following pairs: 1. Radhakanta Deb - First President of the British Indian Association 2. Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty - Founder of the Madras Mahajana Sabha 3. Surendranath Banerjee - Founder of the Indian Association Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Answer: 1 and 3 only
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action', often seen in the news, is
Answer: an agenda for women's empowerment, an outcome of a World Conference convened by the United Nations
Judiciary and its powers, along with fundamental rights and their reasonable restrictions, are frequently tested topics in UPSC and other competitive exams.
Action taken by a court on its own initiative.
Act of disrespecting or obstructing the authority and administration of justice by a court.
The principle that the judiciary should be free from interference from other branches of government or private interests.