A significant issue related to India’s education system has recently sparked national debate. The controversy began over a chapter in the Class 8 Social Science book, which focused on the judiciary. This issue reached the Supreme Court, and the court’s strict remarks resulted in the complete withdrawal of the book. As a result, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) publicly apologized.
Supreme Court Bans the Book
Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court completely banned the book. The court ordered the confiscation of all printed copies and the removal of its digital version from the internet. According to the court, such content could create a negative perception of the judiciary among the public.
NCERT Issues Public Apology
Following the growing controversy, NCERT published a public apology in major newspapers across India. In the apology, they acknowledged the issue with Chapter 4 of the book titled “Role of Judiciary in Our Society” from the textbook “Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part-II)”.
The apology stated that the content printed in this chapter was inappropriate, and the NCERT, including its director and other members, expressed their unconditional apology. Additionally, they clarified that the entire book was withdrawn and is no longer available.
Controversy Over Judicial Corruption Mentioned in Chapter
The controversy stemmed from a section in the book discussing “judicial corruption.” As the matter gained media attention, the issue quickly escalated. The Supreme Court took suo-motu cognizance of the matter and deemed it a serious issue. Chief Justice of India, Suryakant, expressed strong disapproval, stating that no one should be allowed to tarnish the reputation of the judiciary. He emphasized that the law would take its course, regardless of the person involved.
Immediate Action Taken by NCERT
After the controversy, NCERT immediately halted the distribution of the book. Officials admitted that some content in the chapter was inappropriate and acknowledged it as an error. They stated that the inclusion of such content was unintentional and that an investigation is underway to determine how this content was included in the book.
Supreme Court’s Strict Orders
The Supreme Court took strong measures in the case, imposing a complete ban on the book. The court ordered the seizure of all printed copies and the removal of every online version. Furthermore, the court stressed the importance of a thorough investigation into the matter. Ignoring such issues could erode public trust in the C, the court remarked. In this matter, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, apologized in court on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
