The Supreme Court of India on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on a Class 8 Social Science textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training that carried a chapter on alleged corruption in the judiciary.
The court ordered the immediate seizure of all physical copies of the book and directed that its digital versions be taken down without delay. It warned the Centre and state authorities to strictly comply with the order and said “serious action” would be taken if its directions were defied.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant said there appeared to be a calculated attempt to undermine the dignity of the judiciary. The court observed that such content could amount to criminal contempt as it may have a lasting impact on public trust in the institution.
“We would like to have a deeper probe,” the bench said, adding that if such actions are allowed to continue, they could erode people’s faith in the judicial system. The Chief Justice remarked that it was his duty as head of the institution to find out who was responsible. “Heads must roll,” he said in court.
Show Cause Notices Issued to NCERT and Education Officials
The apex court issued show cause notices to the NCERT Director, Dr Dinesh Prasad Saklani and the Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education. They have been asked to explain why action should not be taken against those involved in preparing and approving the chapter.
The bench directed NCERT to submit details of the Teaching Learning Materials Committee that cleared the chapter. The court sought the names, qualifications and credentials of all members of the team responsible for drafting the content.
The matter was taken up suo motu by the court after concerns were raised about a sub-chapter titled “Corruption in the Judiciary” in the Class 8 textbook under a chapter dealing with the role of the judiciary in society. The court said the portrayal of the judiciary as corrupt appeared to send a damaging message.
Government Apologises, Court Seeks Accountability
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education. He told the court that the government stands with the judiciary and would take any action the court considers appropriate.
However, the bench took exception to a communication issued earlier by NCERT, saying it did not contain a clear apology and instead attempted to justify the inclusion of the chapter.
The Chief Justice observed that there appeared to be a “deep rooted and well planned conspiracy” behind the content. He said the judiciary was facing mounting attacks and such material could influence young minds in a negative way.
The court has listed the matter for further hearing on March 11 and made it clear that any attempt to bypass its order would be treated as interference with the administration of justice and could invite contempt proceedings.
