SC Bans NCERT Book Over Chapter on Judiciary Corruption
Observing that there appeared to be a “well orchestrated conspiracy” to defame the judiciary, the CJI said, “They have fired the gunshot. The judiciary is bleeding.” He added, “It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll…We would like to have a deeper probe”
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on a Class 8 NCERT social science textbook containing a chapter titled “Corruption in the Judiciary” and directed seizure of all physical and digital copies.
A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, initiated suo motu proceedings and issued show cause notices to the NCERT director and the secretary, Department of School Education. The court asked them to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated and posted the matter for March 11.
Ordering immediate removal of the book from circulation, the court directed NCERT, in coordination with Central and state education departments, to ensure that all hard and soft copies are withdrawn from public access. “As an abundant precaution, a complete blanket ban is imposed on any further publication, reprinting or digital dissemination of the book,” the Bench said, adding that any attempt to distribute it would amount to wilful defiance of its order.
Observing that there appeared to be a “well orchestrated conspiracy” to defame the judiciary, the CJI said, “They have fired the gunshot. The judiciary is bleeding.” He added, “It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll…We would like to have a deeper probe.”
The court noted that the contents of the chapter, which referred to corruption, backlog of cases and shortage of judges, could fall within the ambit of criminal contempt if they had the effect of eroding public faith in the judiciary. It clarified that the proceedings were not intended to stifle legitimate criticism.
The NCERT stated that it had already taken down the textbook from its website, apologised for “inappropriate content” and said the book would be rewritten in consultation with appropriate authorities. The Council termed the error unintentional and said it held the judiciary in the highest esteem.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of the ministry of education. However, the CJI observed that the NCERT’s communication did not contain an explicit apology and appeared to justify the chapter.
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government respected the judiciary and would comply fully with the court’s directions. He stated that corrective steps had been initiated and that responsibility would be fixed after an inquiry.
The Congress said the court was justified in expressing concern and alleged that recent textbook revisions had been politically driven. The BJP termed the issue sensitive and reiterated its respect for the independence of the judiciary. The matter remains pending before the court.
