Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed displeasure over the inclusion of a chapter referencing "corruption in the judiciary" in a newly revised Class 8 NCERT Social Science textbook, with government sources indicating that he emphasized the need to fix accountability for those responsible.

The development comes amid an escalating controversy triggered by the Supreme Court's strong objection to the content, which the court described as a calculated attempt to defame the institution. During a recent cabinet meeting, sources said the Prime Minister questioned the appropriateness of teaching young students—typically 13-14 years old—about judicial corruption, asking what oversight mechanisms allowed such material to be approved and included. This follows Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's earlier statements expressing deep regret, assuring a probe, and promising action against those involved in drafting and approving the chapter.

The contentious section appears in the chapter titled "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society" in the 2026 edition of the textbook. It highlights challenges facing the judicial system, including corruption at various levels, a massive backlog of cases (citing over 53 million pending matters), and insufficient judges, while also referencing judicial codes of conduct. Unlike previous editions, which focused primarily on structure, hierarchy, and access to justice, this version explicitly addresses corruption, prompting criticism that it could undermine public confidence in the judiciary among impressionable minds.

Also Read: DGCA Mandates Zero Charges for Air Ticket Cancellations or Changes Within 48 Hours

The Supreme Court, taking suo motu cognisance, imposed a complete blanket ban on the book's further publication, printing, and digital dissemination, ordered the seizure of physical copies nationwide, and directed the takedown of online PDFs. It issued show-cause notices to the NCERT Director and the Secretary of School Education in the Ministry of Education, questioning why contempt proceedings should not be initiated. The court remarked that the inclusion felt like a "gunshot" causing the judiciary to "bleed," and called for a deeper probe into what it termed a possible "well-orchestrated conspiracy" to malign the institution.

NCERT has already withdrawn the textbook from circulation and its website, issuing an apology for the "inappropriate content" and committing to revisions in consultation with authorities. The episode has intensified scrutiny of curriculum changes under the National Education Policy, with opposition voices alleging ideological influences, while the government stresses full compliance with the court's directives and respect for judicial integrity. Authorities have assured that corrective steps, including accountability measures, will proceed swiftly to prevent recurrence and restore confidence in educational materials.

Also Read: AIADMK Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against DVAC in Cash-for-Jobs Controversy