Kerala HC Asks State to Explain Teacher's Suspension Over Savarkar Quiz Question

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday sought a response from the State government on the specific reason for the suspension of an upper primary school teacher in Kasaragod, K. Guruprasad Rai. Mr. Rai was suspended over a question on freedom fighter V.D. Savarkar that he included in a quiz competition.

Justice Viju Abraham was hearing a petition filed by the suspended teacher challenging the disciplinary proceedings initiated against him. The controversy arose from a question in the Social Science Club Freedom Quiz for schools in the Kumbla and Manjeswaram sub-districts of Kasaragod. The question asked: “Who was the freedom fighter who received the maximum punishment from the Britishers?” and listed the answer as “V.D. Savarkar”.

Mr. Rai, who has been teaching for 22 years, contended that there was no allegation of dereliction of duty in preparing the question paper. He argued that the mere act of including a question should not have led to such severe consequences as suspension. He also claimed he was being punished for including an answer that was “not palatable to society”.

The court did not make any observations on the merits of the case but directed the State to provide the specific reason for the suspension order. The matter has been posted for further hearing.

The case highlights a recurring tension in India over the portrayal of historical figures in educational materials. V.D. Savarkar, a prominent independence activist and ideologue of Hindutva, remains a polarising figure. While his supporters regard him as a brave freedom fighter, critics point to his controversial role in certain episodes and his ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi and other mainstream nationalist leaders.

The Kerala government is expected to file its response before the next hearing. The petitioner has sought the quashing of the suspension order and the disciplinary proceedings.