NCERT Apologises Over Class 8 Judiciary Chapter Just Before Supreme Court Hearing

NCERT has issued a public apology after controversy over a Class 8 Social Science textbook chapter mentioning corruption in the judiciary. The education body also withdrew the entire book before a Supreme Court hearing scheduled the next day. The court had earlier ordered a nationwide ban on the book’s publication and circulation. Now the case will decide whether the apology is genuine or further action may follow.

The issue quickly turned into a national debate about school textbooks, education responsibility, and respect for democratic institutions.

What Exactly Happened

The controversy started with a chapter in a Class 8 Social Science textbook titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond. The chapter discussed the role of the judiciary in India.

However, some lines in the chapter mentioned corruption in the judiciary. That wording triggered serious concern. Many people felt the content presented a biased narrative about courts.

Soon the matter reached the Supreme Court. The court took suo motu cognisance, meaning it started the case on its own after noticing the issue.

Following strong observations from the judges, NCERT withdrew the entire book from circulation.

NCERT Issues Public Apology

On Tuesday, NCERT released an official statement and apologised. The apology was described as unconditional and unqualified.

According to the statement, the controversial chapter was part of the Grade 8 Social Science book. NCERT confirmed the book had already been withdrawn and was no longer available.

The organisation also said it regretted the inconvenience caused to stakeholders. It added that it remains committed to maintaining accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational content.

This apology came just a day before the Supreme Court hearing, which made the development even more significant.

Supreme Court’s Strong Observations

Earlier in February, the Supreme Court had expressed serious concern over the textbook chapter.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said the wording appeared to undermine the dignity and authority of the judiciary. According to the court, the chapter seemed to ignore the historic role played by courts in protecting democracy.

The judges also pointed out that the chapter failed to highlight the contributions made by the Supreme Court, High Courts, and District Courts.

In their view, exposing young students to such a narrative at an early stage could damage public trust in the judicial system.

Court Clarifies Criticism Is Allowed

At the same time, the Supreme Court clarified something important. The judges said the case was not meant to silence criticism of institutions.

The court explained that discussion, disagreement, and debate are necessary in a healthy democracy. People should be able to question institutions, including the judiciary.

But the concern here was different. The judges believed the chapter might present a one-sided view that could influence students unfairly.

That, according to the court, is not acceptable in school education.

Possible Contempt Case Warning

The Supreme Court also issued a warning during the earlier hearing. Judges said the wording of the chapter might not simply be an accidental mistake.

If the publication was found to be deliberate, it could fall under criminal contempt of court. That is a serious legal matter under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

Because of this possibility, the court issued show cause notices to officials.

These included the Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy and the NCERT Director, Professor Dinesh Prasad Saklani.

They were asked to explain why legal action should not be taken.

Government Steps In Quickly

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had also responded to the controversy earlier. He expressed regret over the situation and said the government took the issue seriously.

The minister announced that all printed copies of the textbook would be recalled immediately.

He emphasised that the judiciary is a vital pillar of India’s democracy. Protecting the dignity of constitutional institutions, he said, is extremely important.

According to him, people in India have deep faith in the judicial system.

A Wider Review Now Expected

The government has also ordered a detailed inquiry into how the chapter was written and approved.

Officials want to understand how the content passed the review process before publication. The Supreme Court has asked NCERT to submit detailed records as well.

These include the names of committee members who approved the chapter, the textbook development team, and meeting notes where the content was discussed.

Meanwhile, the education ministry says stronger review systems will be introduced before textbooks are published.

The aim is simple really. Such mistakes, or controversies, should not happen again.