SC bans NCERT book with Judiciary comment, sold books to be recalled

The Centre on Thursday tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology before the Supreme Court amid the controversy over a Class 8 NCERT Social Science textbook that carried a section on “corruption in the judiciary”. The apology was conveyed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on behalf of the Ministry of Education, even as the court issued a show cause notice to the NCERT director and the school education secretary seeking an explanation on why action should not be taken.

Coming down heavily on the council, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the judiciary was “bleeding today” and described the inclusion of the content as appearing to be a “deep-rooted, well-planned conspiracy” to defame the institution. He warned that the court would not allow anyone to go scot-free and observed that “heads must roll” if responsibility is established. The bench also indicated it may order the takedown of the objectionable excerpts.

The row began after the apex court took note of Chapter 4, titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society”, in the newly released Class 8 textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II. The court said that prima facie, the inclusion of references to “corruption in the judiciary” in a foundational curriculum warranted rigorous scrutiny for its potential impact on public perception and the institution’s authority.

Rejecting the council’s clarification, the Chief Justice remarked that he did not see any apology in the official press release and termed the move “very calculated”. He noted that while legitimate critique of the judiciary is not being stifled, any attempt that could erode the sanctity of judicial office or tarnish its image among impressionable young minds would not be tolerated. The court also emphasised the constitutional balance among the legislature, executive and judiciary.

In response to the backlash, NCERT withdrew distribution of the textbook and termed the inclusion of the material an “unintentional error of judgement”. Of the 2.25 lakh copies printed, only 38 were sold and efforts are underway to retrieve them. The Department of School Education and Literacy directed that distribution be kept on strict hold until further orders, a directive that has been complied with.