Delhi publisher booked for sexist depiction of women in CBSE book

have registered an FIR against the publisher of a text book for ‘indecent depiction of women and misrepresenting the syllabus’ prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for class 12 physical education course.

The book had suggested 36-24-36 figure as the best body shape for females. According to a statement by the CBSE, an FIR was registered in Preet Vihar on Friday under Section 6 (indecent representation of women (Prohibition) Act 1986).

“There were several complaints reported on through various sources including media that said ‘Class XII CBSE Physical Education textbook says/certifies/claims 36-24-36 is the best figure for females’. The board had not prescribed the controversial book,” said a spokesperson.

The class 12 textbook titled ‘Health and Physical Education’ by VK Sharma is published by New Saraswati House (India) Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi.

The board had set up a committee of experts to review the contents of the said book and it was found that the shape, size, f igure have been inappropriately described which are not in consonance with the spirit of the syllabus.“The author has written out of context, the textbook is not as per the syllabus as being claimed by the publisher/author. The publisher and the author have committed criminal misconduct by publishing and selling these books to the students in connivance with some schools. In the process, the publisher has caused wrongful loss of reputation, goodwill and credibility of CBSE,” said a CBSE spokesperson.