Supreme Court on Thursday prohibited circulation of an NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook. The publication contained references to judicial corruption. Therefore, the bench warned of possible contempt action against the council chief. Meanwhile, the Centre apologised for the controversial chapter. It also assured action against those responsible.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant sought a deeper probe into the matter. He stated accountability must follow. He declared, “We would like to have a deeper probe.” He added, “As head of the judiciary, it is my duty to ensure accountability, heads must roll.” Furthermore, he said, “I will not close these proceedings until there is some accountability.” He also said, “We want to know who the people behind this are.”
CJI raises concern over message to students
The row intensified after the CJI sharply criticised the chapter. He described the issue as grave. Moreover, he warned that the court would not allow any attempt to defame judicial integrity.
During the hearing, he questioned the impact on society. He said, “If you teach the entire teaching community and the students that the judiciary is corrupt what message will go?” He further remarked, “Teachers will learn it, parents will learn it.”
Read More :Supreme Court Flags NCERT ‘Judicial Corruption’ Chapter…..
Court orders seizure as circulation continues
The Chief Justice noted continued circulation despite withdrawal claims. He stated, “You say the publication is withdrawn it’s there in the market, it’s there on social media.” He added, “I also got a copy of the book.” He then remarked that “judiciary is bleeding today.”
Subsequently, the bench ordered immediate seizure of all copies containing the chapter.
Centre assures action; bench questions NCERT response
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta addressed the court. He said the government acted swiftly after the objectionable material surfaced. He assured, “The two people involved with this chapter will never be involved with any activity of this ministry in the future even any other ministry.” He emphasised that the Centre did not adopt an adversarial stance.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal highlighted digital spread. He said the PDF version already circulated widely. He stated, “Circulation of the PDF is more than the hard copy.”
Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that online excerpts remained available. He said, “Some of these articles are in the digital domain… It’s for the government to issue take-down orders.” Additionally, he remarked that the chapter focused disproportionately on corruption and pendency. He noted it ignored legal aid and access to justice.
The bench also questioned NCERT’s administrative response. Judges observed that instead of introspection over “reckless, irresponsible and contemptuous” material, the director defended the chapter. The court described the episode as a “calculated move to undermine the authority and demean the dignity of the judiciary.” It warned such unchecked content could erode public trust, especially among students.
