NCERT Issues Unconditional Apology, Withdraws Class 8 Textbook

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) issued an unconditional and unqualified public apology on March 10, 2026, for including a controversial chapter on the judiciary in its Class 8 social science textbook, two weeks after the Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on the book. The apology, published in newspapers, stated that the entire textbook titled “Exploring Society: India and Beyond” (Grade 8, Part II), which contained Chapter IV titled “The Role of Judiciary in our Society", has been withdrawn and is no longer available for distribution or access.

The controversy erupted over a section in the chapter that referenced “corruption in the judiciary", prompting strong criticism from the Supreme Court, which took suo motu cognisance of the matter. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed deep displeasure, stating, “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.” The court ordered the immediate seizure of all physical copies nationwide and the removal of any digital versions, emphasising that unchecked content of this nature could erode public faith in the judiciary.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, tendered an unconditional apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education and informed the court that two individuals responsible for the inclusion of the contentious reference would be barred from future work with the University Grants Commission or any ministry. However, the Chief Justice described the measure as insufficient, remarking that the damage had already been done, likening it to a “gunshot” from which the judiciary was "bleeding".

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NCERT officials acknowledged that “inappropriate” textual material and an “error of judgement” had inadvertently entered the chapter, leading to the swift decision to halt distribution and initiate withdrawal. The apex court directed a deeper probe into the matter, stressing accountability and warning that “heads must roll” for those responsible, underscoring its resolve to protect institutional integrity.

The episode has reignited debates over content scrutiny in school textbooks, particularly on sensitive topics involving constitutional institutions. NCERT, responsible for developing curriculum materials used across CBSE-affiliated schools and influencing state boards, now faces questions about editorial processes and oversight mechanisms to prevent similar lapses in future publications.

The Supreme Court's decisive intervention and NCERT's subsequent apology reflect the high importance placed on safeguarding the judiciary's reputation in educational materials. With the book fully withdrawn, attention has shifted to ensuring revised or replacement content maintains factual accuracy, balance, and respect for institutional dignity while educating young students on the role of the judiciary in Indian democracy.

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