The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an "unconditional and unqualified apology" on Tuesday for a controversial chapter on the judiciary in its recently withdrawn Class 8 Social Science textbook. This move comes just 24 hours before a scheduled court hearing regarding a suo motu case that has plunged the educational body into hot water.
The crisis began in late February when the NCERT released Part 2 of its revised curriculum, titled 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond'. Within 48 hours, the book was pulled from shelves after the court took serious umbrage at Chapter 4, "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society". The section in question focused heavily on allegations of corruption and judicial inaction, a narrative the court described as a "calculated move" to demean the dignity of the legal institution. By February 26, the court had ordered a total seizure of all physical copies and the immediate deletion of digital versions, warning that any further circulation would be treated as a wilful breach of its authority.
In its latest submission, the NCERT expressed deep regret for the "inconvenience caused" and confirmed that the entire book has been scrapped. A statement posted to social media reiterated the council's commitment to maintaining "the highest standards of accuracy and sensitivity." This follows a particularly bruising week for the council’s leadership; the court had previously issued show-cause notices to the NCERT Director and the School Education Secretary, asking why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for "scandalising" the judiciary.
The heart of the court's objection lies in the "formative years" of the students targeted by the curriculum. The bench noted that while it has no intention of stifling legitimate critique, exposing young children to a "biased narrative" about judicial corruption — without balancing it with the judiciary’s role in preserving constitutional morality and legal aid — could create permanent misconceptions. With the formal apology now on record, all eyes are on the Wednesday hearing to see if the court will accept the olive branch or proceed with contempt charges against the officials involved in the publication.
Also read: NCERT book row: Sibal says judges themselves 'responsible'
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