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NCERT Recalls Class 8 Textbook After Supreme Court Ban Over 'Judicial Corruption' Chapter

The NCERT has recalled its Class 8 Social Science textbook following a Supreme Court order imposing a complete ban on its publication and dissemination. The court's action targets a specific sub-chapter titled "Corruption in the judiciary" within the book. Show-cause notices have been issued to senior education officials, including the NCERT Director, for including the contentious material. The court has also directed NCERT to submit detailed records of the committee that approved the controversial chapter.

Key Points: NCERT Recalls Class 8 Book After SC Ban on 'Judicial Corruption' Section

  • Supreme Court imposes blanket ban on textbook
  • NCERT recalls book and asks for content deletion
  • Show-cause notices issued to education officials
  • Court seeks details of committee that approved chapter
2 min read

NCERT recalls Class 8 Social Science textbook after Supreme Court's objection to section on 'judicial corruption'

NCERT recalls Class 8 Social Science textbook after Supreme Court imposes blanket ban over a chapter discussing 'corruption in the judiciary'. Officials face show-cause notices.

"a complete blanket ban is hereby imposed on any further publication re: printing or digital dissemination of the book - Supreme Court Order"

New Delhi, February 27

The National Council of Educational Research and Training has recalled its Class 8 Social Science textbook, titled 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond', following a blanket ban imposed by the Supreme Court of India on its publication and dissemination.

In a media advisory, NCERT requested that "any individual or organisation, who is in possession of the NCERT textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Social Science Grade 8 Part 2, or any material related to it, may return it to the Head, Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS) or Publication Division, NCERT, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi, at the earliest possible".

The council also asked that any content related to the chapter "Role of Judiciary in Our Society", if shared on social media or digital platforms, be deleted at the earliest possible time.

The recall follows an order by the Supreme Court of India dated February 26. As per paragraph 20 of the order, "a complete blanket ban is hereby imposed on any further publication re: printing or digital dissemination of the book titled 'Exploring Society, India and Beyond'."

The order added that any attempt to circumvent the ban "through electronic media or alternative titles, containing the same contents, shall be treated as a direct interference, willful breach and defiance of the directions issued herein above".

NCERT reiterated in its advisory that the textbook has been formally withdrawn in compliance with the court's directions.

Earlier, on Thursday, the Supreme Court of India issued show cause notices to the Secretary of the Department of Education and Literacy (Ministry of Education) and NCERT Director Dinesh Prashad Saklani, asking them to explain why action should not be taken under contempt or other laws for including a sub-chapter titled "Corruption in the judiciary" in the Class 8 NCERT Social Science textbook.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M Pancholi refused to halt suo motu proceedings despite NCERT's apology over the controversial inclusion and imposed a blanket ban on the textbook section. The court warned that any attempt to bypass the order would be considered direct interference with the administration of justice and could attract contempt of court.

The Supreme Court also directed NCERT to submit detailed records of the Teaching-Learning Materials Committee that approved the chapter, including the names, qualifications, and credentials of all members of the development team.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
I'm a teacher and I'm confused. On one hand, we want to teach critical thinking. On the other, how do we discuss the challenges within systems without seeming disrespectful? The recall seems extreme, but maybe the content was poorly framed for 13-year-olds. 🤔
R
Rahul R
Complete overreach by the judiciary! They are acting like a sensitive child. If there is corruption, it should be discussed. Banning a textbook and threatening contempt is not the solution. This sets a dangerous precedent for academic freedom. Shame!
S
Sarah B
As a parent, I appreciate the swift action. Children at that age are forming their worldview. It's crucial they learn about the judiciary's role in upholding justice and the Constitution, not start with skepticism. There's a time and place for such complex discussions.
K
Karthik V
The real question is: how did this get approved by NCERT's committee in the first place? The Supreme Court asking for the committee's details is the right move. Someone needs to be accountable for this major lapse. Our education system needs more careful oversight.
M
Meera T
I have mixed feelings. We should not hide realities from students, but the presentation is key. Perhaps a chapter on "Ensuring Judicial Integrity" or "Challenges and Reforms" would have been more constructive than one titled "Corruption in the judiciary". The nuance matters.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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