NCERT issues public apology after SC bans Class 8 social science textbook

The National Council of Educational Research and Training has issued a public apology after the Supreme Court banned a Class 8 social science textbook that contained a controversial chapter referring to corruption in the judiciary.

The apology, published in newspapers on March 10, came about two weeks after the top court imposed a blanket ban on the book and ordered that all physical and digital copies be withdrawn.

In the statement, NCERT acknowledged the issue and confirmed that the textbook had been removed from circulation.

"The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently published a social science textbook, 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond' Grade 8 (Part II), which contained Chapter IV titled 'The Role of Judiciary in our Society.' The Director and Members of NCERT hereby tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for the said Chapter IV. The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available,” said the NCERT.

The controversy began after a section in the textbook chapter titled “The Role of Judiciary in our Society” included references to corruption within the judicial system. Media coverage of the content prompted strong remarks from Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

"I will not allow anyone on earth to taint the integrity of the institution and defame the institution. At any cost, I will not permit it. Whosoever high it may be, the law will take its course. I know how to deal with it," he said.

Following the backlash, NCERT halted distribution of the Class 8 social science book titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Grade 8 (Part II). Officials later said certain “inappropriate” material and an “error of judgement” had inadvertently been included in the chapter.

Taking suo motu cognizance of the issue, the Supreme Court imposed a complete ban on the publication, reprinting, and digital circulation of the textbook. The court also ordered the seizure of all existing copies.

"No one will be allowed to go scot-free. It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll," the Chief Justice of India said.

During earlier proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central government, offered an apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education.

He told the court that two individuals responsible for the reference to “corruption in the judiciary” would “never work with the UGC or any ministry.”

The Chief Justice, however, dismissed the response as inadequate. "That is of very little consequence. They fired a gunshot, and the judiciary is bleeding today," he said.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi also directed NCERT to submit detailed records of the Teaching-Learning Materials Committee that approved the chapter. The court asked for the names, qualifications, and credentials of all members involved in developing the content.

NCERT has since asked individuals and organizations that possess the textbook or related materials to return them to the Head of the Department of Education in Social Sciences or the Publication Division at its Sri Aurobindo Marg office in New Delhi.

The council has also urged that any digital or social media posts containing the chapter’s content be removed immediately. Anyone who purchased the textbook has been asked to return it to NCERT.