New Delhi, February 25, 2026: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has withdrawn its newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook from sale and removed it from its website following strong objections from Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant over a section discussing “corruption in the judiciary.”
The textbook, titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2), was released earlier this week. It includes a chapter titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society,” which for the first time in NCERT’s Class 8 curriculum lists “corruption at various levels of the judiciary” as one of the key challenges facing the judicial system.
The section describes challenges including a massive backlog of cases (approximately 81,000 pending in the Supreme Court, 62.40 lakh in High Courts, and 4.70 crore in district and subordinate courts), shortage of judges, complicated legal procedures, and poor infrastructure. It states that judges are bound by a code of conduct governing their conduct both inside and outside court. It also outlines the judiciary’s internal accountability mechanisms, noting that over 1,600 complaints were received through the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) between 2017 and 2021. In cases of serious misconduct, it explains the parliamentary impeachment process.
The text acknowledges: “Nevertheless, people do experience corruption at various levels of the judiciary. For the poor and the disadvantaged, this can worsen the issue of access to justice.” It adds that efforts are being made at state and Union levels to enhance transparency and rebuild trust through technology and swift action.
The chapter quotes former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai (from a July 2025 observation): “Sadly, there have been instances of corruption and misconduct that have surfaced even within the judiciary. Such occurrences inevitably have a negative impact on public confidence… Transparency and accountability are democratic virtues.”
The matter was brought to the Supreme Court’s notice during mentioning hours on Wednesday by senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and others. A three-judge bench headed by CJI Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, took suo motu cognisance of the “objectionable” content.
CJI Kant expressed serious displeasure, describing the inclusion as a “calculated and deep-rooted attempt” to defame the institution. “I will not allow anybody to defame the institution… I will not allow anyone on earth to taint the integrity of the institution,” he said. “Howsoever high it may be, the law will take its course. I know how to deal with it.” He added that the Bar and the Bench, as well as High Court judges, were “perturbed” by the content.
In response, NCERT immediately pulled the book from physical sales and its online platform. Education Ministry sources confirmed the withdrawal and indicated that the controversial portions are likely to be reviewed or removed. Government officials noted that NCERT, though autonomous, did not consult the Union Law Ministry and should have presented a balanced view covering challenges across all three organs of the state rather than focusing selectively on the judiciary.
This marks a departure from earlier NCERT editions, which discussed the structure, independence and role of the judiciary but did not mention corruption.
The development has triggered intense debate on the appropriate portrayal of constitutional institutions in school textbooks meant for 13-14-year-old students. NCERT Chairman Dinesh Prasad Saklani and other officials declined to comment, citing the matter as sub judice.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the suo motu case shortly.
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