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Controversial chapter on judiciary triggers recall of “Exploring Society: India and Beyond”
New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has tendered an “unconditional and unqualified apology” over a controversial chapter on the judiciary in its Class 8 Social Science textbook “Exploring Society: India and Beyond” (Part II) and withdrawn the book entirely from circulation.
In a statement issued on social media, NCERT said the chapter titled “The Role of Judiciary in Our Society”, which included a sub-section on “Corruption in the Judiciary”, had triggered concerns over the portrayal of the judicial institution.
“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 The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available,” the council said.
Book Withdrawn After Supreme Court Order
The recall follows a blanket ban imposed by the Supreme Court of India on February 26, prohibiting the publication, printing or digital dissemination of the textbook.
The court had directed that any attempt to circulate the same content through electronic media or alternative titles would be treated as a violation of its order. NCERT subsequently removed the book from its website and halted its distribution.
Return of Copies Ordered
In a media advisory, the council requested that individuals or institutions possessing copies of the textbook return them to the Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS) or to the publication division at its headquarters on Sri Aurobindo Marg in New Delhi. The council also asked that any digital content or social media posts related to the chapter “Role of Judiciary in Our Society” be deleted immediately.
Court Seeks Details of Approval Process
The Supreme Court has also directed NCERT to submit detailed records regarding the approval of the chapter, including the names, qualifications and credentials of members of the Teaching-Learning Materials Committee that cleared the content. The court’s intervention followed concerns that the chapter’s discussion of judicial corruption could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
NCERT Assures Responsible Educational Content
Expressing regret for the controversy, NCERT reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards in school education material.
“NCERT remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity and responsibility in educational content,” the council said. The development marks a major escalation in the controversy surrounding the textbook, which had drawn sharp reactions from legal circles and prompted swift judicial scrutiny.
