New Delhi | RBN News
A major institutional controversy has emerged after the Supreme Court of India ordered a nationwide and overseas ban on a Class 8 Social Science textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), objecting to a chapter referencing “corruption in the judiciary.”
The development follows strong observations by a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, which issued show-cause notices to senior officials in the Ministry of Education and NCERT. Government sources indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought that accountability be fixed in the matter.
The episode has triggered serious debate over curriculum governance, institutional sensitivity, and the boundaries of academic commentary concerning constitutional institutions.
Court Orders Immediate Ban and Seizure
During the hearing, the apex court expressed strong concern over references to corruption within the judiciary in the revised chapter titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society.”
The bench directed:
- Immediate ban on the textbook within India and abroad
- Seizure of all printed copies
- Prohibition on digital circulation, in full or part
- Production of original meeting records related to the chapter’s approval
The court also sought detailed explanations from the Secretary of School Education and the NCERT Director regarding the process that led to the chapter’s inclusion. It questioned whether due diligence and institutional safeguards were followed.
Appearing for the NCERT, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta presented submissions on behalf of the education body. However, the court indicated that the matter required deeper examination and did not close proceedings.
Government Response
According to government sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed dissatisfaction over the incident and stressed that responsibility must be determined.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed regret over the inclusion of the controversial references. Addressing reporters, he stated that the government holds the judiciary in the highest regard and that there was no intention to disrespect the institution.
He further said the Ministry would fully comply with the court’s directives and take the matter seriously.
What the Controversial Chapter Contained
The revised NCERT chapter marked a departure from earlier editions by expanding beyond structural explanations of the judiciary. It discussed systemic challenges faced by courts, including case pendency and accountability mechanisms.
The chapter cited approximate pendency figures:
- Supreme Court: 81,000 cases
- High Courts: 6.24 million cases
- District and subordinate courts: 47 million cases
In its section on corruption, the textbook stated that judges are bound by a code of conduct governing both judicial and personal behaviour. It referenced internal accountability systems and complaint mechanisms such as the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).
The chapter also mentioned that efforts are underway at both Union and state levels to enhance transparency through technology and institutional reforms. It quoted former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai as having stated that misconduct within the judiciary can adversely impact public confidence.
Court Seeks Detailed Accountability Trail
The Supreme Court has directed the NCERT Director to provide:
- Names and credentials of members of the National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee
- Details of the Textbook Development Team responsible for drafting the chapter
- Original minutes of meetings where the chapter was deliberated and approved
The court indicated that it intends to examine the complete decision-making chain before proceeding further.
NCERT’s Position
The NCERT described the inclusion of the controversial material as “an error of judgement” and issued an apology. It has stated that corrective measures will be taken in compliance with judicial directions.
No timeline has yet been announced regarding the publication of a revised edition.
Background: Curriculum Revisions and Judicial Sensitivity
In recent years, NCERT has undertaken multiple revisions of school textbooks as part of broader academic restructuring. While curriculum updates routinely include contemporary institutional discussions, the judiciary has historically been treated with caution in school-level texts.
The current episode underscores the sensitivity surrounding commentary on constitutional institutions and raises questions about academic framing, oversight mechanisms, and review protocols within textbook bodies.
What Happens Next
The matter remains under judicial consideration. The next hearing is expected to examine the records submitted by NCERT officials.
Potential outcomes may include:
- Contempt proceedings, if deemed necessary
- Administrative or disciplinary action within NCERT
- Revised publication guidelines for curriculum oversight
Until further orders, the textbook remains banned from circulation.
