Supreme Court bans NCERT Social Science book over judiciary corruption chapter, orders copies' seizure

The Supreme Court has imposed a blanket ban on NCERT's Class 8 Social Science textbook, carrying a chapter on corruption in the judiciary, and has directed authorities to seize all physical copies and remove its digital versions. The apex court ordered the Centre and state governments to ensure immediate compliance, warning of “serious action” in case of any violation of its directions.

Earlier, in an official press release, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) said that the error in the textbook was "purely unintentional" and that it regrets the inclusion of inappropriate materials in the chapter.

The top court issued show cause notices to the NCERT director, school education secretary, asking them to explain why action should not be initiated against those responsible. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant said there seemed to be a calculated move to "undermine institution and demean dignity" of the judiciary.

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NCERT Row: Next hearing on March 11

According to the PTI reports, the bench said such misconduct, has an everlasting impact on judiciary, and can come under Contempt on Courts. "We would like to have a deeper probe," the bench said. The court said that if allowed to go unchecked, this will erode people's faith in judiciary. "No one will be allowed to go scot-free."

The CJI added: "It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll." CJI Surya Kant said there appears to be a deep-rooted, well-planned conspiracy to defame the judiciary.

Taking exception to the NCERT's communication, CJI said there was "not a single word of apology" in the press release, and instead, they have tried to justify it.

The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, tendered an unconditional apology on behalf of ministry of education. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on March 11.

NCERT Class 8 textbook to be rewritten

Following the SC's disapproval of NCERT's Class 8 Social Science textbook content, the council had put distribution of books on hold. NCERT said that the textbooks will be rewritten after consultation with the authorities and is open to constructive feedback.

SC took sou motu cognizance of the NCERT's new Class 8 Social Science book that had sections on "corruption in the judiciary." The chapters outlined topics on poor infrastructure, lack of an adequate number of judges, complicated legal procedures, etc. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said that the court cannot allow anyone to defame the institution, saying judges across high courts are “perturbed” by the inclusion. With inputs from PTI