Madras High Court Asks State to Review Aryan-Dravidian Theory Taught in Schools

workbench Chief Justice KR Shriram And Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy He stated that the court was not an expert on the history of the origin of races and therefore could not grant the reduction as requested. Therefore, the court observed that it was for the experts to determine whether the plaintiff’s claims regarding the two-race theory were valid.

“The court is not an expert on history or the origin of races. The relief requested by the petitioner cannot be granted until this court examines and decides whether the two-race theory that the petitioner alleges is false is valid or invalid. It is appropriate that this determination be made by experts in the field, not by the court.” the court observed.

The court was hearing the petition filed by Mahalingam Balaji. Balaji had alleged that educational institutions were propagating a false theory that there were two races (Aryan and Dravidian), which would increase divisiveness among people. He argued that the two-race theory was wrong and would cause significant harm to impressionable minds.

The Department of School Education stated that the curriculum was determined based on the opinions of experts in the relevant field. It also stated that the petitioner can make a representation to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and such representation can be considered and finalized within a reasonable time.

The Ministry of Education and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) also stated that the representation should be submitted to NCERT, which can consider the same.

As the court deemed it appropriate not to express any opinion in the case, it directed NCERT and SCERT to consider Balaji’s plea and dispose of it within 12 weeks after providing a reasonable opportunity, including personal hearing.

Applicant’s Lawyer: Mr. Mahalingam Balaji Party Personally

Defendant’s Lawyer: Assisted by MrRajesh Vivekananthan, Deputy Solicitor General, Mr.J.Ravindran, Additional Solicitor General, Ms. Maithily, Additional Government Advocate, Mr. A.Edwin Prabakar, State Government Advocate, Mr. TKSaravanan, Advocate for the Government

Quote: 2024 LiveLaw (Mad) 408

Case Title: Mahalingam Balaji v. Secretary and Others

Case No: WPNo.30424, 2024