Madras High Court asks state to review Aryan-Dravidian theory taught in schools

The Madras High Court recently refrained from passing any orders on a plea challenging the Aryan-Dravidian race theory taught in educational institutions.

Bench with Chief Justice K R Shriram AND Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy noted that the court was not an expert in the history of the breed’s origins and therefore could not grant the requested relief. The court therefore noted that it was up to the experts to determine whether the petitioner’s claims regarding the two-race theory were substantiated or not.

“The court is not an expert in the history or origins of races. The court cannot grant the relief sought by petitioner without examining and deciding whether the two race theory, which petitioner claims to be false, is valid or invalid. It is appropriate for such an assessment to be made by experts in the field and not by a court– the court noted.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Mahalingam Balaji. Balaji maintained that educational institutions propagate the false theory of the existence of two races – Aryan and Dravidian, which in turn promotes divisions among people. He argued that the two-race theory was false and would do considerable harm to sensitive minds.

The Department of School Education said the curriculum was determined based on input from experts in the field. He also stated that the petitioner may submit his representation to the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) which may be considered and disposed of within a reasonable time.

The Ministry of Education and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) also said that the statement should be submitted to the NCERT which could consider the same.

As the court thought it fit not to express any opinion on the matter, it directed NCERT and SCERT to consider Balaji’s representation and dispose of it within 12 weeks after providing reasonable opportunity including personal hearing.

The Applicant’s Representative: Mr.Mahalingam Balaji Party in person

The defendant’s attorney: Mr. Rajesh Vivekananthan Deputy Solicitor General, Mr. J.Ravindran Additional Advocate General assisted by Ms. Maithily Additional Government Plenipotentiary, Mr. A.Edwin Prabakar State Government Pleader assisted by Mr. T.K.Saravanan Government Advocate

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Mad) 408

Case Title: Mahalingam Balaji v. Registrar and Others

Case number: WPN0.30424 of 2024