SC bans NCERT book over chapter on judicial corruption; minister promises action

New Delhi, Feb 26: The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a “complete blanket ban” on any further publication, reprinting or digital dissemination of the NCERT’s Class 8 social science book as it contains “offending” contents on corruption in the judiciary, saying a gunshot has been fired and the institution is bleeding.

The government, on its part, expressed anguish over the inclusion of the controversial section in the book, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan promising to fix accountability and take action against those involved in drafting it.

Observing that there appeared to be a “deep-rooted conspiracy” and a “calculated move” to undermine the institution and demean the dignity of judiciary, the Supreme Court directed that all copies of the book — physical and digital — currently in circulation be seized immediately and removed from public access without any delay.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued show-cause notices to the NCERT director and the secretary of the department of school education, asking them to explain why action not be initiated against those found responsible for introducing the “offending” chapter.

“As an abundant precaution, a complete blanket ban is hereby imposed on any further publication, reprinting or digital dissemination of the book titled ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’ (Vol II),” the bench, which also comprised justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, said.

Pradhan underlined that the government has full respect for the judiciary and has no intent of disrespecting the institution.

“I am very sad at what has happened and express regret… There was no intention to insult the judiciary. An inquiry will be conducted and accountability fixed. Action will be taken against those involved in drafting the chapter. As soon as we got to know (about it), the circulation of the textbooks was put on hold,” Pradhan told reporters in Jamshedpur.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) social science textbook for Class 8 in question states that corruption, a massive backlog of cases, and the lack of an adequate number of judges are among the challenges faced by the judicial system.