- By Shibra Arshad
- Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:34 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has extended an unconditional public apology over the publication of a social science book, which contained a controversial chapter on the judiciary. The developments come nearly two weeks after the Supreme Court of India imposed a blanket ban on the publication and distribution of the book.
The apology published in newspapers read, "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 The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available."
The controversy erupted over a chapter in the class 8 social science book, titled ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’, drawing sharp reaction from the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, said, "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. Whosoever high it may be, the law will take its course. I know how to deal with it.”
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NCERT Withdraws Class 8 Book
After the strong reaction from the Supreme Court of India, the NCERT withdrew the distributed book and stopped further publication, with officials clarifying that certain ‘inappropriate’ material had crept into the concerned chapter due to ‘an error of Judgement’.
Chapter On ‘Role Of Democracy’ Irked SC
After the media reported the content of the book, the Supreme Court of India took a suo motu and imposed a blanket ban on the publication and distribution of the book, ordering the withdrawal of physical copies and the taking down of virtual content. In root of the controversy lay a chapter titled, "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society," which contained references to ‘corruption in the judiciary’ and a ‘massive backlog of cases’.
"No one will be allowed to go scot-free. It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll," the Chief Justice of India said.
Earlier, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, extended an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education.