NCERT apology after Supreme Court criticism of Class 8 judicial corruption chapter

NCERT has apologised after the Supreme Court criticised content in a Class 8 textbook chapter referring to judicial corruption. The National Council of Educational Research and Training has halted circulation and removed the book from its website, saying the chapter contained inappropriate material and errors of judgement. It plans to rewrite the textbook in consultation with appropriate authorities.

NCERT apologised on Wednesday after the Supreme Court criticised a Class 8 textbook chapter. The chapter referred to judicial corruption and drew strong objections from the court. NCERT said the textbook will be revised with guidance from suitable authorities. NCERT also halted the book’s circulation after removing it from its website.

A senior official said the council found "certain inappropriate textual material and error of judgement\" in the chapter. NCERT said the issue appeared in the text by mistake. The council said it respected the judiciary and described the error as unintentional. NCERT also said it viewed the judiciary as vital to the Constitution.

NCERT textbook rewrite after Supreme Court objection

NCERT said it \"holds the judiciary in highest esteem\" and called it the protector of fundamental rights. The official said the intent was not to reduce the standing of any constitutional body. \"NCERT reiterates that the objective of the new textbooks is to strengthen constitutional literacy, institutional respect, and informed understanding of democratic participation amongst students. There is no intent to question or diminish the authority of any constitutional body,\" the official added.

NCERT said it would change the chapter as part of its review process. It said it remained open to feedback and would consult the proper authority. \"And hence, the same shall be re-written, with consultation of the appropriate authority, as necessary, and would be made available to students of Class 8 accordingly on the commencement of academic session 2026-27,\" it added.

Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of NCERT textbook

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance after the matter was mentioned for urgent hearing. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal raised the issue alongside Abhishek Singhvi. A three-judge bench included Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi. The bench focused on statements it found objectionable.

CJI Kant objected strongly to the chapter’s references to corruption in courts. CJI Kant said nobody on earth will be allowed to defame the judiciary. CJI Kant also said the judiciary’s integrity could not be tainted. The court’s remarks came amid scrutiny of the new Class 8 social science material.

The new social science textbook described several challenges for the judicial system. It cited corruption, a large backlog of cases, and too few judges. NCERT has now stopped the book’s circulation while it prepares changes. The council said the revised version will be issued for Class 8 in 2026-27.

With inputs from PTI