Alok Prasanna Kumar is an Indian legal scholar, lawyer, and public policy professional associated with research and advocacy in constitutional law, governance, and institutional accountability. He has been involved in legal research, public discourse, and policy engagement on issues relating to the Indian Constitution and the functioning of democratic institutions.[1][2]
Alok Prasanna Kumar | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Occupations | Legal scholar, public policy professional, lawyer |
| Employer | National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) |
| Organization | Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy |
| Known for | Founding member of Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, work in constitutional law and public policy in India |
Career
editKumar has worked in the fields of constitutional law, governance, and public policy. He has been associated with legal research organisations and policy think tanks, where his work has focused on issues such as judicial accountability, transparency, and institutional reform.[3]
He has been associated with the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, where he has contributed to research and public policy initiatives relating to the Indian legal system and governance frameworks.[4][5]
In addition to his policy work, Kumar has written and commented on legal and constitutional issues in various public forums and media platforms. His work includes analysis of judicial processes, legislative developments, and constitutional interpretation in India.[6][2]
He has also been involved in academic and educational initiatives, including contributions to curriculum-related discussions and public engagement on legal education.[7]
Textbook controversy (2026)
editBackground
editIn 2026, Kumar was among the contributors to a Class 8 social science textbook titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond, developed under the aegis of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).[8][2]
The textbook included a section addressing themes related to institutional accountability and the judiciary.
Supreme Court proceedings
editFollowing objections to the content, the Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance of the matter and issued directions concerning the circulation and use of the textbook pending further review.[2][8]
The Court directed the Union and state governments to disassociate from the authors involved in the chapter. Kumar, along with Michel Danino and Suparna Diwakar, was among those named in the direction.[2][8]
Subsequently, NCERT reconstituted its National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC), removing members associated with the chapter.[9]
The matter remained under judicial consideration at the time, with further proceedings pending.
Responses and reactions
editThe developments were reported across multiple media outlets and prompted broader discussions on issues relating to educational content, institutional representation, and academic freedom.[2][8]
In April 2026, a group of academics wrote to President Droupadi Murmu seeking intervention and expressing concerns about the implications of the actions taken for academic freedom.[10]
Selected works
editArticles and commentary
edit- Kumar, Alok Prasanna. "Articles and commentary on constitutional law and public policy". Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- Kumar, Alok Prasanna. "Interpreting a federal Constitution". The Hindu. Retrieved 13 April 2026.
Educational contributions
edit- Contributions to school-level social science textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Class 8), developed under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).[2][8]
See also
editExternal links
edit- Alok Prasanna Kumar on Vidhi Legal Policy
References
edit- ↑ "NCERT book row: Who are the 3 whom SC wants Centre, states to disassociate from". The Indian Express. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ""Judiciary" chapter row: NCERT authors blacklisted by SC". Supreme Court Observer. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ "NCERT book row: Who are the 3 whom SC wants Centre, states to disassociate from". The Indian Express. 11 March 2026. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ "Team". Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ "NCERT text book row: Trained lawyer, Indophile, educationist face SC ire". Hindustan Times. 12 March 2026. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ "'Authors of NCERT judiciary chapter unfit to shape curriculum': SC". Mathrubhumi. 11 March 2026. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ "NCERT apologises for controversial judiciary chapter, withdraws Class 8 textbook". The Times of India. 10 March 2026. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "NCERT apologises for controversial judiciary chapter, withdraws Class 8 textbook". The Times of India. 10 March 2026. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ "NCERT revamps curriculum committee after Supreme Court rap over Class 8 textbook". The Indian Express. 9 April 2026.
- ↑ "Scholars write to President over NCERT book ban". Hindustan Times. 9 April 2026. Retrieved 12 April 2026.