New Delhi: Agra-based publisher Oswaal Books issued an “unconditional” apology on Thursday after accusations of hurting the religious sentiments of Brahmin Pandits due to a controversial question in a mock Common Law Administration Test (CLAT) book.
“We have noted the error with utmost serious concern and an immediate action has been initiated against those responsible for the error. As of now, we are immediately recalling all the copies of the books as well [as] pulling it down from all the online platforms,” Oswaal Books revealed in a statement.
The controversial multiple choice question in Oswaal’s ‘UG CLAT Mock Test — 15 Sample Question Papers’ concerned a hypothetical situation on who could claim compensation on behalf of a child victim of kidnapping and rape by a Brahmin Pandit, and did not appear to directly refer to any case.
Founded in 1984, Oswaal Books publishes textbooks and workbooks on competitive examinations like CLAT annually. The latest edition of the book with the controversial question was released in September 2021.
“Anita is a child of 8 years. One day while she was playing on the roads a Brahmin Pandit kidnapped her and took her to an abandoned temple and raped her. When she was found out [sic] after 2 days she was senseless due to excessive breathing and was grievously hurt. Who can claim compensation for Anita,” the question reads, offering Anita, her parents, the attorney on her behalf, and all of the above as possible answers.
The Common Law Administration Test (CLAT) is the national-level entrance examination law aspirants are required to take in order to qualify for admission to the government-run National Law Universities (NLUs) across the country, although several private law colleges also require CLAT scores for prospective student eligibility and admissions.
When reached for a comment, an employee of Oswaal Books who didn’t want to be named told ThePrint on Saturday that the publisher’s internal investigation and recall process are still ongoing.
The complaint was flagged on Thursday by Hindu lawyer Shashank Shekhar Jha, who called on Agra Police to “initiate legal action” against the publisher and those who framed the question.
Question 84 of Mock Test Paper of CLAT shows absolute form of Brahmin & Pandit hatred.
Dear @agrapolice: kindly initiate legal action against the publisher @oswaal_books and the persons involved in making this question. pic.twitter.com/QXipmdxuuj
— Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj) June 17, 2022
Jha also expressed his dissatisfaction with Oswaal Books’ response to the matter.
“Apology is not enough. FIR must be lodged against the person who put this question. Brahmin-Pandit community is hurt with this. Accused must be booked,” Jha added.
Apology is not enough.
FIR must be lodged against the person who put this question.
Brahmin-Pandit community is hurt with this.
Accused must be booked@agrapolice @Uppolice pic.twitter.com/aDbElvwmYC
— Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj) June 17, 2022
(Edited by Uttara Ramaswamy)
Also Read: Nursing textbook lists ‘merits’ of dowry, gets called out for ‘anti-women, derogatory content’