J. MOHAPATRA & CO AND ANOTHER vs STATE OF ORISSA AND ANOTHER

The Supreme Court addressed the constitutionality of the selection process for textbooks and reading materials in schools and colleges in Orissa, emphasizing the lack of statutory guidelines and the potential bias introduced by author-members on selection committees. The Court held that the absence of a transparent and fair selection process violates the principles of natural justice and the doctrine of bias, thereby necessitating a review of the existing administrative instructions. The Court underscored the importance of establishing clear guidelines for the selection of educational materials to ensure impartiality and quality in education.