Petition to ban NCERT history textbook filed in SC

New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) A petition seeking a ban on NCERT history textbook for class XII, 'Modern India', on the grounds that it contains derogatory remarks and references against the ''Jat'' community was moved in the Supreme Court by Shiksha Bachao Andolan Samiti and Delhi Pradesh Citizen Council.

The petitoner prayed the apex court to stay the publication and the circulation of the book prescribed by the CBSE till the offending portions of the book were deleted.

According to the petitioner, the portion which described Jats as ''looteras'' saying ''though originally a peasant uprising, the Jat revolt led by Zamindars, soon became predatory. They plundered all and sundry , the rich and the poor, the jagirdars and peasants, the Hindus and the Muslims. They took active part in court intrigues at Delhi often changing sides to suit their own advantage.'' The other objection of the petitioner relates to a portion on page 74 and 179 of the book. On page 74, a Jat is shown making casteist remarks against a Dalit woman, who rejects his advances and he starts harassing her at the workplace.

UNI AKS/SC SI RS1750