India’s education system was thrust into controversy after the Supreme Court of India ordered an immediate blanket ban on a Class 8 social science textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The move followed strong objections to a chapter discussing alleged corruption and structural challenges within the judicial system, which the court said could damage public confidence in the institution.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed deep regret over the episode, promising a thorough inquiry and strict action against those responsible for drafting the controversial content. He emphasized that there was no intention to disrespect the judiciary and that the government holds the institution in the highest regard.
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, took an unusually stern view of the matter. The judges observed that the textbook appeared to be part of a “well-orchestrated conspiracy” to defame the judiciary. In strongly worded remarks, the bench said the judiciary seemed to be “bleeding,” reflecting its concern over the potential impact on public trust. The court ordered that all copies of the book, both printed and digital, be seized immediately and issued show-cause notices to senior education officials, including the NCERT director and the secretary of the Department of School Education, asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated.
The disputed chapter had listed corruption, an enormous backlog of cases, and a shortage of judges among the challenges faced by India’s courts. While these issues are often discussed in academic and policy circles, the court indicated that presenting them in a school textbook without adequate context could be misleading and inappropriate for young students.
Facing mounting pressure, NCERT quickly withdrew the book from its official website and issued a public apology, acknowledging the presence of “inappropriate content.” Officials said the textbook would be rewritten in consultation with relevant authorities before any future publication. Distribution had already been halted by the time the court passed its order.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Jamshedpur, Pradhan reiterated that the government had taken the issue seriously from the outset. He assured that accountability would be fixed and disciplinary action would follow once the inquiry is completed. In a democratic nation like India, he said, the judiciary occupies a central and respected position, and safeguarding its dignity is paramount.
The controversy has reignited debate over how sensitive national institutions should be portrayed in school curricula. Education experts note that while textbooks must encourage critical thinking, they also carry the responsibility of presenting complex issues with balance and clarity, especially for young learners. The episode is likely to prompt stricter review mechanisms for future academic material.
The minister was in Jamshedpur for an official function attended by President Droupadi Murmu, but the textbook row quickly overshadowed the event, dominating national headlines. With the Supreme Court’s notices still pending, the matter remains far from resolved, and further developments are expected as the inquiry progresses.
Key highlights:
The Supreme Court imposed a complete ban on the Class 8 NCERT social science textbook and ordered seizure of all copies; the court described the content as potentially defamatory to the judiciary; NCERT withdrew the book and issued an apology; Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan promised accountability and strict action; the textbook will be rewritten after consultation with appropriate authorities.