NCERT Withdraws Class 8 Judiciary Book
NCERT has withdrawn a Class 8 social science textbook and issued an unconditional apology after a chapter on the judiciary triggered strong objections and legal scrutiny. The move came after controversy over passages seen as inappropriate in the way they discussed corruption and functioning within the judicial system.
NCERT Withdraws Class 8 Social Science Book
The withdrawn book is the Class 8 Social Science Part 2 textbook titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond. NCERT said the entire book has been taken back and is no longer available. The council also asked individuals and organisations in possession of copies or related material to return them. The withdrawal followed escalating criticism over Chapter 4, which dealt with the role of the judiciary in society.
Judiciary Chapter Sparks Major Controversy
The controversy centred on references to corruption in the judiciary and the language used to describe systemic issues in courts. The matter drew serious attention after the Supreme Court objected to the content and ordered strong corrective steps. The court directed that physical copies be seized and digital access be stopped, while also warning against any attempt to circulate the material further. The episode quickly turned into a wider debate over how school textbooks should address sensitive institutional issues.
NCERT Issues Unconditional Apology
In its public response, NCERT said the inclusion of the material was unintentional and expressed regret over the lapse. It said the director and members of the council tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology for the chapter. NCERT also said it remains committed to maintaining accuracy, sensitivity and responsibility in educational content. The development has placed renewed focus on textbook review processes and the standards applied to school curriculum material.
