What is the news?
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued a statement apologizing for including a chapter related to ‘Judicial Corruption’ in the Class 8 textbook. He expressed regret and said that this mistake was unintentional and the distribution of the book has been completely stopped till further orders. NCERT issued its regret and statement after the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter and strongly criticized the chapter.
What did NCERT say in its statement?
In a statement, NCERT wrote, “NCERT released the Social Science book, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Volume II for Class 8 on February 24, 2026. On receipt of the book, it was noticed that some incorrect text and errors of judgment have inadvertently appeared in Chapter No. 4 ‘Role of the Judiciary in our Society’ (pages 125-142). The Department of School Education and Literacy directed that this book will be withdrawn from circulation till further orders. The distribution of the book should be stopped completely.”
NCERT respects the judiciary
NCERT further wrote that it has great respect for the judiciary and considers it to be the protector of the Indian Constitution and protector of fundamental rights. It wrote, “This mistake is completely unintentional and NCERT regrets the inclusion of incorrect content in this chapter. NCERT, once again, regrets and apologizes for this mistake, and also reiterates its intention to continuously work for the institutional sanctity and dignity.”
Chapter will be rewritten
NCERT said it reiterates that the purpose of the new textbooks is to strengthen constitutional literacy, institutional respect and informed understanding of democratic participation among students and not to question or undermine the authority of any constitutional institution. The Council will further rewrite the chapters as per the need, in consultation with the appropriate authority, and will be made available to Class 8 students at the commencement of the academic session 2026-27.
What is the matter?
NCERT has placed a section on “Corruption in the Judiciary” in the new Class 8 Social Science textbook under the chapter titled “Role of the Judiciary in our Society”. The chapter outlines the “challenges” faced by the judicial system. This included “corruption in the judiciary” and “huge pendency of cases due to various reasons such as lack of adequate number of judges, complex legal procedures and poor infrastructure”. There is controversy regarding this.
What did the Supreme Court say?
On Wednesday, this matter was raised in the Supreme Court by senior lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi and expressed serious concern. To this, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said, “The Bar and the Bench are all upset. I will take suo motu cognizance of this matter. I will not allow anyone to defame the institution. The law will take its own course. This appears to be a calculated move. I know how to deal with it.”
There was no mention of corruption in the old book
The old NCERT textbook only discussed the role of the judiciary, what an independent judiciary is, the structure of courts and access to them, and there was no mention of corruption.
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