NCERT issues unconditional apology to Supreme Court; withdraws Class 8 textbook over controversial ‘judiciary’ chapter

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“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate the understanding of all stakeholders. NCERT remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational content,” NCERT added in a post on X.

In the chapter on the role of the judiciary, the book, released two weeks ago, contained a section on “corruption in the judiciary”.

The Indian Express report on February 23.

What Supreme Court said

Taking up a suo motu case in the matter, the Supreme Court came down heavily on NCERT, calling it a “calculated move to undermine and demean the dignity of the judiciary”. The top court imposed a “complete blanket ban” on further publication, reprinting or digital dissemination of the book.

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Hearing the matter in February, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said, “As head of the judiciary, it is my duty to find out who is the person responsible. If there is more than one, heads must roll. Accountability must be there. I am not going to close these proceedings until I am satisfied.”

The Supreme Court, referring to the NCERT director, stated in its order, “Instead of having an introspection of what had been written in the book in a most reckless, irresponsible, contemptuous and motivated manner, the Director responded in writing, defending the contents of the book.”