- By Vaidika Thapa
- Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:53 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
NCERT Book Row: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a state visit to Israel, on Thursday expressed displeasure over the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook chapter on “corruption” in the judiciary. His reaction came after the Supreme Court on Thursday called the council's decision to introduce a chapter on corruption in the judiciary a “calculated move to undermine and demean the dignity of the judiciary.”
According to a report by NDTV, quoting top government sources, PM Modi has demanded to know who was overseeing the matter. He was quoted as saying, “Kaun dekh raha hai ye sab?” (Who is looking after all this?), questioning how Class 8 students could discuss judicial corruption. PM Modi has called for accountability in the matter.
Union Education Minister Expresses Regret
Earlier in the day, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the "government holds the judiciary in the highest regard and will fully comply with the top court's directives, banning the NCERT social science book for class 8, which contained a chapter on Judicial Corruption. Pradhan further announced the immediate withdrawal of all printed copies of the textbook.
Addressing the media amid the row, Pradhan said, "I am very sad at what has happened. There was no intention to insult the judiciary. We have decided to recall all copies printed so far with immediate effect," he said, adding, "People have unwavering faith in the judiciary. We will not allow the reputation of any constitutional institution to be tarnished."
Pradhan also assured that accountability would be fixed and action would be taken against those involved in drafting the chapter on judicial corruption. "If any official or individual is found negligent, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law," Pradhan said.
SC Orders 'Blanket ban' On Further Publication
The Supreme Court today ordered a "blanket ban" on the further publication, reprinting or digital dissemination of the NCERT's Class 8 social science textbook and called the council's decision to introduce a chapter on corruption in the judiciary a "calculated move to undermine and demean dignity of judiciary".
A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya and Vipul M Pancholi also issued notices to the secretary, School Education Department, Ministry of Education, and the NCERT Director. The bench has asked them to respond to why action under the Contempt of Courts Act or any other provisions of law should not be initiated against them.
"They have fired the gunshot. The judiciary is bleeding," the bench said, warning of serious action if its directions are defied in any manner.
Referring to the contents of the book, the bench observed that such misconduct, having an everlasting impact on the judiciary, would fall within the definition of criminal contempt. "It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll. We would like to have a deeper probe," the CJI said.
The row erupted after portions of an NCERT textbook stated that corruption, a massive backlog of cases, and the lack of an adequate number of judges are among the challenges faced by the judicial system. It also states that judges are bound by a code of conduct that governs not only their behaviour in court, but also how they conduct themselves outside it.