The case concerned a question prepared for a school quiz in Kasargode. One of the questions from the quiz reportedly asked, “Who was the freedom fighter who received the most punishment from the British?” The answer given was VD Savarkar.
The State’s Education Minister later termed this an intentional distortion of history. An inquiry was ordered, and the school teacher who prepared the question was suspended on August 9. He challenged the suspension before the High Court, termining it as politically motivated and violative of relevant rules.
He contended that his suspension was ordered merely on the basis of the Education Minister’s oral instructions, which was not permitted under the rules.
Rai (the teacher) further maintained that there was nothing factually wrong with the question and answer in focus, and that his suspension was only ordered because the answer was not palatable to a section of society.
While seeking the State’s response in the matter, the Court had earlier orally questioned if a suspension was necessary in this case.