Source Bar and Bench
NEW DELHI – In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday imposed a nationwide blanket ban on a newly released NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook, citing a “deep-rooted and well-planned conspiracy” to malign the dignity of the Indian judiciary.
The controversial chapter, titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society,” reportedly contained sections detailing “corruption at various levels of the judiciary,” a move the apex court described as a calculated attempt to undermine public faith in the legal system.
Key Directives Issued by the Apex Court
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, issued a series of stringent orders:
Nationwide Seizure: Authorities have been directed to seize all physical copies of the textbook from retail outlets, schools, and storage facilities.
Digital Takedown: The court ordered the immediate removal of all digital versions and PDFs from the NCERT website and other online platforms.
Show-Cause Notices: Contempt of court notices were issued to the Director of NCERT, Dr. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, and the Secretary of School Education.
Compliance Deadline: State and Union authorities must file a compliance report within two weeks.
“The Judiciary is Bleeding”: CJI Slams NCERT
The bench took suo motu cognizance of the matter after senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi flagged the content, noting that it could have an “everlasting impact” on the impressionable minds of youth.
“Heads must roll. It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible. This is a very calculated move—the entire teaching community will be instructed that the judiciary is corrupt. We will not allow anyone on earth to taint the integrity of this institution,” the CJI observed during the hearing.
The court expressed particular displeasure over the NCERT’s initial response, which reportedly sought to justify the inclusion of the chapter rather than offering an apology. The bench noted that while the chapter highlighted corruption and pendency, it completely ignored the judiciary’s role in preserving the Basic Structure Doctrine, providing legal aid, and upholding constitutional morality.
Government and NCERT Response
Following the court’s sharp reprimand, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, tendered an unconditional apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education. He assured the bench that the individuals involved in drafting the chapter would be barred from future work with any government ministry.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also weighed in, stating that an internal probe has been ordered to fix accountability. “We have full respect for the judiciary and no intent to disrespect the institution. The court’s directives will be complied with in letter and spirit,” Pradhan said.
Textbook Details Status
Title Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Vol II)
Grade Class 8
Subject Social Science
Controversial Section Chapter 4: “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society”
Current Status BANNED & SEIZED
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for March 11, 2026, by which time the NCERT Director must provide the names and credentials of the experts who drafted the controversial content.
