NCERT Pulls ‘Exploring Society’ Class 8 Book, Publicly Apologises After Controversy Over Judiciary Chapter

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has withdrawn its Class 8 social science textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part II) after controversy erupted over a chapter discussing challenges faced by the judiciary. The organisation also issued a public apology, stating that the book has been completely removed from circulation.

The chapter titled "The Role of Judiciary in our Society" had mentioned issues such as corruption, backlog of cases, and shortage of judges as challenges within the judicial system. Following objections and legal scrutiny, NCERT decided to pull the book and apologise.

NCERT Issues Unconditional Apology

In an official press statement, NCERT expressed regret over the contents of Chapter IV and confirmed that the textbook has been withdrawn entirely.

"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 The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate the understanding of all stakeholders. NCERT remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational content," the statement read.

The council added that the textbook is no longer available in any form after the decision.

Supreme Court Directs Removal of All Copies

The issue also reached the Supreme Court, where a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant took note of the matter. The court directed authorities to ensure that every copy of the textbook is recovered.

The bench ordered that books available at retail outlets as well as those stored in NCERT godowns be collected and removed from circulation. It also instructed that digital versions of the textbook be taken down from all online platforms.

Additionally, the Union government was asked to ensure that schools and teachers do not continue using the withdrawn book in classrooms.

CJI Warns Against Tarnishing Judiciary

During the proceedings, the Chief Justice strongly reacted to the controversy and warned against attempts to undermine the credibility of the judiciary.

"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. Howsoever high it may be, the law will take its course. I know how to deal with it."

The remarks underscored the court's firm stance on protecting the reputation of judicial institutions.

The withdrawn chapter had highlighted issues such as corruption allegations, delays in case disposal, and insufficient judicial appointments as challenges affecting the justice system. The references triggered criticism and eventually led to the legal intervention that resulted in the book's withdrawal.