Supreme Court Bans NCERT Class 8 Book Over Judiciary Corruption Reference

The Supreme Court of India has ordered a complete ban on an NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook that contained a reference to corruption in the judiciary. The court directed the immediate seizure of all physical copies and removal of digital versions from circulation, while also seeking records related to how the chapter was approved.

The textbook in question, published by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), included a subsection titled “Corruption in the Judiciary” in a chapter discussing the role of the judiciary in society. The content came under judicial scrutiny after concerns were raised before a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

Taking serious note of the issue, the apex court initiated suo motu proceedings and expressed strong displeasure over the inclusion of the passage. The bench ordered that all printed copies of the book be withdrawn from retail stores and NCERT stock. It also directed authorities to ensure that digital versions be taken down from all platforms and that no schools or teachers use the book for instruction.

The court further issued a show-cause notice to the Secretary of School Education, officials in the Ministry of Education, and the NCERT Director, asking why action should not be initiated against them. The bench made it clear that the matter would not be closed with a simple withdrawal of the book.

The Centre, represented in court by the Solicitor General, informed the bench that the textbook had already been withdrawn and that an unconditional apology would be issued. NCERT had earlier described the inclusion as an “unintentional error” and expressed regret. However, the court questioned this explanation, noting that the NCERT Director had reportedly defended the passage in writing before later apologising.

The Supreme Court has now sought the original minutes of meetings of the National Syllabi Board that cleared the chapter. It has asked for details of the members involved in drafting and approving the content. The court indicated that it intends to examine how the passage was included and whether due processes were followed.

The controversy also reached the highest levels of government. Sources indicated that Narendra Modi expressed concern over the matter during a Cabinet meeting, questioning the suitability of such material for Class 8 students. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan publicly stated that the government respects the judiciary and would fully comply with the court’s directions, while expressing regret over the incident.

The case has sparked a wider debate about textbook content, academic oversight, and the balance between critical discussion and institutional respect in school education. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing in four weeks, during which the requested records must be produced.

With the book now effectively withdrawn from circulation, the legal proceedings are expected to determine accountability and establish clearer safeguards for future textbook approvals.