‘Not Acceptable’: CJI Calls Judiciary Corruption Reference in NCERT Book a Calculated Move

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant sharply objected to a Class 8 NCERT textbook chapter referring to “judicial corruption”, calling it a “calculated measure” and suggesting a “calculated and deep-rooted” attempt to target the judiciary. The comments came in open court after the issue was flagged by senior lawyers.

The Supreme Court expressed worry that young students were being exposed to such material about judges in a school text. CJI Kant stressed that the court would not let anyone question the judiciary’s integrity, and warned that those behind the chapter would face legal scrutiny, regardless of position.

NCERT judicial corruption chapter draws sharp reaction in Supreme Court

The matter reached the Bench when Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi mentioned the NCERT content. Sibal said the reference to “judicial corruption” in a school book was “very disturbing”. Singhvi submitted that the chapter appeared to single out the judiciary, while leaving out corruption among politicians, ministers and bureaucrats.

Kapil Sibal told the court, “We are deeply disturbed as the members of this institution to find that the children of Class 8 students are being taught about corruption in the judiciary. It is part of the NCERT. It is entirely scandalous. We have the copies of the book,” highlighting the broader concern within the legal community.

CJI response and suo motu action on NCERT judicial corruption chapter

Responding, CJI Kant said he had already taken suo motu cognisance of the NCERT issue. The CJI stated, “I know how to deal with it. It seems to be a calculated measure.” The court signalled that any attempt to malign the institution would be met with firm judicial action.

CJI Kant noted that alarm was widespread within the justice system. “Wait for a day. This is definitely concerning the entire institution. The bar and the bench are perturbed. Every stakeholder in the system is really perturbed, I am receiving lot of calls and messages. There are judges of High Courts who are perturbed,” CJI Kant said, adding, “Whosoever high it may be, the law will take its course. I know how to deal with it.”

The Chief Justice hinted at deeper concerns about the intent behind the NCERT judicial corruption chapter, remarking, “It seems to be a very calculated and deep-rooted measure to…we don't want to say anything more…I am aware and I have done my duty," indicating that further steps would follow within the legal framework.