PM Modi Seeks Accountability As Supreme Court Bans NCERT Class 8 Book Over Judiciary Chapter Row

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought strict accountability after a controversy erupted over a National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Class 8 textbook chapter referring to "corruption" in the judiciary. The issue intensified after the Supreme Court took serious note of the content and initiated legal proceedings.

Government sources said the Prime Minister, currently on a visit to Israel, conveyed displeasure over how the chapter was approved and allowed into circulation.

PM's Reaction And Demand For Accountability

According to sources, the Prime Minister questioned the oversight process and asked who was responsible for allowing the material to be published.

"Kaun dekh raha hai ye sab (Who is looking after all this)," a government source told NDTV quoting the Prime Minister.

He reportedly stressed that responsibility must be fixed and corrective action ensured.

Supreme Court's Strong Observations And Ban

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court objected to references to "corruption in the judiciary" and issued a show cause notice to the Secretary of School Education in the Ministry of Education and the NCERT Director.

The court sought an explanation on why action should not be initiated against them under the Contempt of Court Act or other applicable laws.

"We would like to have a deeper probe. We need to find out who is responsible... heads must roll! We won't close the case," the court said while questioning Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the NCERT.

In a major order, the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant banned the book in India and abroad, directed seizure of all copies and prohibited sharing of the text online, either fully or partially. Notices were also issued to the Centre and NCERT Chairman Professor Dinesh Prasad Saklani.

The court further directed the NCERT Director to submit a comprehensive list of members of the National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee that approved the chapter, along with names and credentials of the textbook development team.

"The original records of the minutes of all meetings, where the offending chapter was deliberated and finalised, shall be produced on the next date of hearing," the court said.

Education Minister Expresses Regret

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed regret over the incident and reiterated respect for the judiciary.

"We hold the judiciary in the highest regard... There was absolutely no intention on the part of the government to disrespect the judiciary. We are taking this matter very seriously... We will fully comply with the judiciary's decision. I am deeply saddened by what happened and express my regret," Pradhan told reporters.

He also said action would be taken against those involved in drafting the chapter and assured full compliance with court directions, adding the Centre has "utmost respect" for the judiciary and that there was "no intention to insult the judiciary."

NCERT Apology And Next Steps

The NCERT termed the inclusion of the material an "error of judgement" and issued an apology. Authorities have now been directed to present detailed records of how the chapter was conceptualised, reviewed and approved.

The court proceedings are expected to determine individual responsibility as the government signals disciplinary action once accountability is established.