Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed displeasure over the NCERT row, according to government sources. This reaction followed sharp criticism from the Supreme Court regarding a “corruption in judiciary” chapter in a Class 8 Social Science textbook.
Sources revealed that Modi questioned how judicial corruption could be taught to eighth-grade students. He also demanded to know who oversaw this matter. Furthermore, Modi called for accountability, stressing the importance of addressing the issue.
Supreme Court’s Harsh Criticism and NCERT Apology
The controversy began after the Supreme Court condemned the NCERT’s inclusion of the chapter on judicial corruption. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant strongly criticized the content, calling it defamatory. In response, the NCERT tendered an unconditional apology.
The Council announced it would retract the Social Science textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II. The textbook had been released on February 24, 2026, but was removed from the council’s website within hours of its release.
All physical copies were pulled from circulation immediately following the Supreme Court’s severe criticism.
SC’s Strong Warning and Legal Action
The matter was swiftly brought before the court for urgent consideration. Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi raised concerns over the content. In response, the CJI issued a stern warning, stating, “Nobody on earth will be allowed to defame the judiciary and taint its integrity.”
The Supreme Court viewed the publication of the book as serious misconduct. The court ordered all copies of the book to be “seized” and issued a contempt notice to NCERT chairman Professor Dinesh Prasad Saklani and the Secretary of School Education.
CJI’s Call for Accountability
Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the need for a deeper investigation. He told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented the NCERT, “As head of the judiciary, it is my duty to ensure accountability; heads must roll.”
In a further response, Mehta offered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
