- By Aditya Jha
- Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:55 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The latest version of the Class 8 Social Science textbook, released by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Monday, has pointed out the drawbacks in the judiciary system. A chapter on "The role of the judiciary in our society" includes a section on corruption and a huge number of pending cases. The section also asserted that the judiciary deals with several challenges, including lack of an adequate number of judges, poor infrastructure, and complicated legal procedures.
While the old textbook discussed the role of the judiciary, details on an independent judiciary, and the structure of courts, it did not mention corruption. "The phrase ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ is often used to characterise this extended time period that courts take," the old textbook asserted.
Focus On Pending Cases, Corruption
The new textbook revealed that the total number of pending cases in the Supreme Court is 81,000. It further stated that 62,40,000 cases were pending in high courts, adding that 4,70,00,000 cases were also pending in district and subordinate courts due to various reasons.
The latest textbook also revealed that 1,600 complaints were received between 2017 and 2021 through the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), a system designated to maintain accountability in the judiciary.
"In cases where the allegations are serious, the Parliament can take action and remove a judge by passing a motion of impeachment. Such a motion is considered only after a proper inquiry, during which the judge is given a fair opportunity to present their side of the case," the textbook read.
While quoting former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, the textbook stated that there have been several instances of corruption and misconduct even within the judiciary. "Any erosion of this confidence risks weakening the judiciary’s constitutional role as the ultimate arbiter of rights. Transparency and accountability are democratic virtues," former CJI Gavai had stated back in July 2025.