New Delhi, February 26: The Supreme Court has taken a strong stance against objectionable references to corruption in the judiciary found in the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook. Led by Chief Justice Suryakant, the bench labeled it a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the judiciary and ordered the book to be withdrawn from circulation. The next hearing is scheduled for March 11.
The Supreme Court indicated that it would investigate the matter, having raised concerns about a specific chapter just a day earlier. The court emphasized that the judiciary would not be allowed to be defamed. Following the court’s objections, NCERT has decided to rewrite the controversial textbook.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing NCERT, expressed apologies in this suo motu case. In response, the Chief Justice remarked that the media had sent a notice without a word of apology.
He stated, “It is our institutional responsibility to determine whether this content was published in the book. The message sent to the Registrar General indicated that the relevant department was defending it. This is a deep conspiracy.”
The Solicitor General informed the court that actions had been taken against the two individuals responsible for preparing the chapter. They will no longer be able to work with the UGC or any ministry.
The Chief Justice remarked, “It would be too easy for them to escape accountability. They fired shots, and the judiciary is bleeding.” Tushar Mehta also mentioned that 32 copies that had reached the market were retrieved, and a comprehensive review of the entire book would be conducted.
The Chief Justice commented that merely taking action against two individuals is insufficient. It is too easy, and they will evade consequences. This is a scheme to defame the entire judiciary. He also questioned whether copies of the book are still available in the market or online, urging for their immediate withdrawal.
Senior lawyers Kapil Sibal and Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi raised this issue before the bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant. Sibal expressed concern over teaching Class 8 students about corruption in the judiciary, stating that as members of the institution, they find this troubling.
Chief Justice Suryakant noted that the Constitution ensures a balance and autonomy among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Therefore, any material that undermines the reputation of one constitutional body is extremely serious.
He added that if such narratives take root in the minds of youth and parents, it could diminish trust in judicial institutions.
The court clarified that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ascertain who is responsible for the publication of this material. Meanwhile, the Solicitor General assured that the controversial chapter would be removed, and a revised version would be published. The court reiterated that any compromise on the judiciary’s credibility would not be tolerated.
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