NCERT withdraws Class 8 textbook after Supreme Court rebuke
NCERT has halted distribution of its new Class 8 Social Science textbook following strong objections from the Supreme Court over a chapter on judicial challenges.
The textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II, was released on February 24, 2026. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance shortly after, leading NCERT to pull it from sale and its website by February 25. A revised version is promised for the 2026-27 academic year.
Chapter 4, “The Role of Judiciary in our Society,” included sections like “Corruption in the judiciary” and “Justice delayed is justice denied.” It discussed corruption at various levels, massive case backlogs (e.g., 4.7 crore in district courts), judge shortages, and quoted former CJI B.R. Gavai on transparency. This marked a shift from prior editions focused on court structure.
A three-judge bench led by CJI Surya Kant called the content a “calculated move” to defame the judiciary, violating constitutional principles like separation of powers. Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi joined, with CJI stating, “I will not allow anybody to defame institution. Law will take its course.” Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi raised the issue.
NCERT admitted “inappropriate textual material and errors of judgement,” apologized, and halted sales per Ministry of Education directives. Printed copies may have controversial parts excised, with revisions after consultations. The council reaffirmed respect for the judiciary as Constitution’s upholder.
