India's Justice & Education Systems Face Crisis

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 13:04 GMT by ThePrint
      Locale: Delhi, INDIA

A System Under Strain: Eroding Justice and the Crisis in Educational Access

The past week has revealed a disturbing confluence of events signaling a potential crisis in the foundations of India's justice system and its commitment to equitable education. An unprecedented ruling by the Allahabad High Court, coupled with the alarming proliferation of a black market for NCERT textbooks, paints a picture of institutions struggling to fulfill their core mandates, and a system increasingly tilted against fundamental principles of fairness and opportunity.

The Allahabad High Court's recent order, presuming police officers guilty until proven innocent in criminal cases, is a radical departure from centuries of established legal precedent. The bedrock of any just legal system is the presumption of innocence - the idea that an accused person is considered not guilty until proven so beyond a reasonable doubt. This ruling, ostensibly aimed at curbing police corruption, fundamentally inverts that principle. While the intention to address misconduct within law enforcement is laudable, achieving it by dismantling a cornerstone of due process carries grave risks.

Experts warn this shift in burden of proof could have far-reaching consequences. The state, under the current system, has the responsibility to prove guilt. This safeguards against arbitrary accusations and protects citizens from potential abuse of power. By demanding officers prove their innocence, the court has arguably created a climate of distrust and potentially opened the door to harassment and wrongful convictions. The question isn't whether police accountability is necessary - it absolutely is - but whether this is the correct method. Alternative solutions, such as enhanced independent oversight, stringent internal investigations, and swift prosecution of proven offenses, may offer more effective and legally sound paths to accountability.

Simultaneously, a quiet crisis is unfolding in the realm of education. NCERT textbooks, the standard curriculum for millions of students across India, are now routinely appearing on the black market. This isn't a localized issue; reports indicate widespread scarcity, particularly in densely populated states with a high proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The reasons are multifaceted, ranging from supply chain disruptions and printing delays to inadequate distribution networks and a failure to accurately forecast demand. However, the result is the same: textbooks are being sold at inflated prices, effectively denying access to education for those who can least afford it.

The implications of this textbook scarcity extend beyond mere inconvenience. It exacerbates existing inequalities, widening the gap between the haves and have-nots. Students without access to these essential learning materials are at a significant disadvantage, impacting their academic performance and future prospects. It creates a vicious cycle, perpetuating poverty and limiting social mobility. The fact that textbooks - vital tools for national progress - are becoming commodities traded for profit is a damning indictment of the system.

These two seemingly disparate events - the legal ruling and the educational crisis - are connected by a common thread: a breakdown in the systems designed to ensure fairness and opportunity. One undermines the principles of justice, the other restricts access to the very foundation of progress. Both suggest a worrying trend of institutions failing to adequately serve their intended purpose.

Looking forward, a multi-pronged approach is required. The legal fraternity must engage in a serious re-evaluation of the Allahabad High Court's ruling, considering the potential ramifications for due process and fundamental rights. Robust independent investigations into police misconduct, coupled with swift and impartial prosecutions, are crucial. Regarding the textbook crisis, a thorough review of the entire NCERT supply chain is necessary, identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions to ensure adequate supply meets demand. Investing in digital learning resources, while not a complete substitute for physical textbooks, could provide a temporary bridge for students in underserved areas.

Ultimately, these challenges demand a renewed commitment to strengthening institutions, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that education remains a right, not a privilege. Ignoring these warning signs risks eroding the very foundations of a just and equitable society.