The Supreme Court of India has ordered an immediate ban on a National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) publication containing a chapter on alleged corruption in the judiciary, directing authorities to seize physical copies and ensure the removal of digital versions from circulation. The court issued the directions while hearing a petition challenging the inclusion of the content, observing that the material risked undermining public confidence in the judicial system.

A bench of the apex court said that while academic discussion on institutional accountability is permissible, the specific chapter in question contained sweeping generalisations and unverified claims that could erode trust in the judiciary. The court directed that all remaining copies be withdrawn from bookstores and educational institutions and that online access be blocked with immediate effect. It also sought compliance reports from the concerned authorities.

Appearing for the Centre, the Attorney General conveyed an unconditional apology, stating that the publication had not undergone adequate review before release. The Union government assured the court that corrective steps were being taken and that future educational materials would be subjected to more rigorous scrutiny. The Centre maintained that there was no intention to cast aspersions on the integrity of the judiciary.

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The NCERT publication, intended for senior secondary students, reportedly included a chapter examining instances of alleged judicial misconduct and debates around accountability mechanisms. Petitioners had argued that the language used was imprecise and failed to present balanced context, potentially influencing young readers with incomplete or misleading information. The court noted that criticism of institutions must be rooted in verified facts and presented responsibly, particularly in academic curricula.

Legal experts say the ruling underscores the judiciary’s sensitivity to issues concerning institutional credibility while also highlighting the delicate balance between academic freedom and reputational safeguards. The matter has reignited debate over curriculum oversight and the standards applied to educational content dealing with constitutional bodies and democratic institutions.

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