In a stern rebuke to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the Supreme Court of India has ordered the immediate withdrawal of a Class 8 Social Science textbook containing objectionable references to corruption within the judiciary. Led by Chief Justice Suryakant, the bench labeled the content a deliberate attempt to tarnish the judiciary’s image, directing that all copies be pulled from the market.
The controversy erupted when senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi brought the issue to the court’s attention. They highlighted a specific chapter that portrayed the judiciary as rife with corruption, arguing it was inappropriate for young students. ‘Teaching eighth graders about judicial corruption is deeply concerning,’ Sibal remarked, emphasizing the impact on institutional trust.
Chief Justice Suryakant underscored the constitutional balance between the legislature, executive, and judiciary, warning that such material could erode public faith in judicial institutions. ‘If these notions take root in the minds of youth and parents, the credibility of our courts will suffer irreparably,’ he stated.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing NCERT, tendered an apology but faced sharp criticism from the bench. The court questioned the adequacy of actions against just two individuals involved in drafting the chapter, calling it a ‘deep conspiracy’ against the judiciary. Mehta assured that the 32 copies already in circulation have been recalled, and a full review of the book is underway.
The bench mandated a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and scheduled the next hearing for March 11. NCERT has committed to revising and republishing the textbook without the contentious content. This episode serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s resolve to protect its sanctity amid efforts to undermine it.