NCERT Apologizes and Withdraws Class 8 Textbook Over Controversial Judiciary Chapter
Synopsis
In a significant move, the NCERT has publicly apologized and withdrawn its Class 8 textbook that included a controversial chapter on the judiciary. This decision comes amid rising concerns and a Supreme Court ruling against the text's distribution.
Key Takeaways
NCERT issued a public apology for a controversial chapter.
The entire Class 8 textbook has been withdrawn .
Supreme Court mandated a ban on the textbook's distribution.
Concerns arose over references to judicial corruption .
NCERT is instructing returns and digital removals of the material.
On March 10, in New Delhi, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) publicly expressed regret regarding a chapter in its Class 8 Social Science textbook titled 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond' (Grade 8, Part II), which featured a segment on the judiciary. The council also declared that the entire textbook has been retracted and is no longer accessible.
In their official statement, NCERT indicated that they had recently released the Social Science textbook 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond' for Grade 8 (Part II), which included Chapter IV, 'The Role of Judiciary in Our Society.'
“The Director and Members of NCERT hereby extend an unconditional and unequivocal apology for Chapter IV. The complete book has been withdrawn and is not available,” the statement noted.
Previously, on February 27, NCERT had issued a directive urging individuals to return copies of the withdrawn Class 8 Social Science textbook to its headquarters following concerns raised regarding a chapter discussing alleged “judicial corruption.”
In a strongly articulated advisory, NCERT mandated that anyone possessing the textbook titled 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond' must promptly return it to the council’s headquarters. They also instructed that any content from the chapter 'The Role of Judiciary in Our Society' shared on social media or other digital platforms should be removed without delay.
This measure was triggered by a communication from the Union Ministry of Education to the ministries of electronics and information technology, and information and broadcasting, requesting the cessation of the distribution of the contentious textbook on digital platforms and electronic media after a Supreme Court ban.
On February 26, the Supreme Court mandated a “complete blanket ban” on any further publication, reprinting, or digital distribution of the NCERT Class 8 book, observing that the textbook contained “offensive” references regarding corruption within the judiciary.
The court articulated serious concern, stating that “a gunshot has been fired and the institution is bleeding.”
The controversy stemmed from a chapter in the Social Science textbook addressing challenges faced by the judicial system, including significant backlog of cases, a shortage of judges, and allegations of corruption.
Point of View
The NCERT's swift action in retracting the textbook demonstrates a commitment to uphold educational integrity and respond to public concerns. This incident underscores the delicate balance between education and the representation of sensitive topics.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted NCERT to withdraw the textbook?
The withdrawal was prompted by public concerns regarding a chapter on alleged judicial corruption, leading to a Supreme Court ruling.
What does the withdrawn chapter discuss?
The chapter addresses various challenges faced by the judicial system, including backlog of cases and alleged corruption.
How is the public advised to handle the textbook?
NCERT has advised individuals to return the textbook to their headquarters and remove any shared content from digital platforms.
What was the Supreme Court's stance on this textbook?
The Supreme Court ordered a blanket ban on the textbook, citing concerns over offensive references related to judicial corruption.
What is the significance of this incident?
This incident highlights the importance of responsible education and the need for accurate representation of critical societal issues.
