A controversy over a Class 8 NCERT social science textbook erupted into a full-blown constitutional flashpoint on Thursday, after the Supreme Court of India imposed a "complete blanket ban" on the book's publication and distribution, describing the inclusion of a chapter on judicial corruption as a "calculated move to undermine and demean" the judiciary.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, issued sweeping directions ordering the seizure of all physical and digital copies of the textbook, which contained a section titled "Corruption in the Judiciary." The bench's language was unusually sharp and unambiguous.
"They have fired the gunshot. The judiciary is bleeding," Chief Justice Kant declared from the bench, signaling the gravity with which the court views the matter. The bench further observed that the inclusion of such content appeared to be part of a "well-orchestrated conspiracy" to defame the institution, noting that even the NCERT's own apology the previous day only deepened those suspicions.
"That itself shows deep-rooted conspiracy," the CJI remarked, referring to NCERT's Wednesday communication in which the body apologized for what it called "inappropriate content" and pledged to rewrite the chapter in consultation with appropriate authorities.
The court went further, issuing show cause notices to both the NCERT Director and the Secretary of the Department of School Education, asking them to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against those responsible for approving the content. The bench warned of serious consequences if its directions were defied in any form, stating that any distribution of the book — physical or digital — would be treated as willful defiance of court orders.
"It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll," the Chief Justice said, adding that the court would seek a deeper probe into the matter.
The contentious section in the new Class 8 social science textbook listed corruption, a massive backlog of cases, and an inadequate number of judges among the key challenges facing India's judicial system. It also noted that judges are bound by a code of conduct governing their behavior both inside and outside the courtroom.
While these are issues that legal scholars, reform advocates, and even former judges have openly discussed in academic and public forums, the court held that presenting such content to young schoolchildren, in the manner it was framed, constituted misconduct with an "everlasting impact" on the judiciary. The bench observed that allowing such material to go unchecked could erode public faith in the institution — a concern the court said fell within the definition of criminal contempt.
Following the Supreme Court's strong remarks, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the controversy publicly, striking a conciliatory tone. "I am very sad at what has happened. There was no intention to insult the judiciary," Pradhan said, expressing deep regret over the episode.
The minister's statement sought to distance the government from any perception that the textbook content reflected official policy or intent, framing the controversy as an unfortunate oversight rather than a deliberate act. However, the Supreme Court's characterization of events — pointing to a "calculated move" and a "well-orchestrated conspiracy" — suggests the judiciary is not yet satisfied with assurances alone, and that it is seeking institutional accountability rather than just expressions of remorse.
The episode raises uncomfortable questions about the process through which new NCERT content is reviewed and approved before it reaches classrooms. Textbooks approved for national curricula go through multiple layers of editorial and governmental scrutiny, making it difficult to attribute the inclusion of such a chapter to simple oversight.
At the same time, there are those in academic and civil society circles who argue that age-appropriate civic education — including honest discussion of institutional challenges — is essential to building informed citizens. The line between critical education and contempt of court, this episode suggests, is one that will now be drawn firmly by the judiciary itself.
For now, millions of Class 8 students across India will be studying from a textbook with a chapter missing — a conspicuous blank that, in its own way, may prompt more questions than the original text ever intended to answer.
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