The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Tuesday offered an “unconditional and unconditional apology” for the chapter on judicial power in the now-withdrawn Class 8 Social Sciences Part 2 textbook.
The apology came one day before the next court hearing on her automatic case involving the textbook. On February 26, the court ordered the immediate confiscation of physical copies and removal of digital copies of the textbook with a section on “corruption in the judiciary,” and adjourned the matter for hearing on March 11.
In its apology, NCERT said that the entire book has been withdrawn and is unavailable. “The Director and members of NCERT hereby extend an unconditional and unconditional apology for the said Chapter IV.”
In a post on X, NCERT said it regrets the inconvenience caused and appreciates the understanding of all stakeholders. “NCERT remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity and accountability in educational content.”
NCERT released the second part of the textbook, containing a section on ‘judicial corruption’, on February 23. It was withdrawn on January 24, hours after 32 copies had been sold.
The court took suo motu cognizance of the matter on February 25. NCERT, in a statement that day, apologized for the “inappropriate content” in the chapter titled “Role of Judiciary in Our Society” and said it would be rewritten in consultation with relevant authorities.
On February 26, the court issued show-cause notices to the director of NCERT and the secretary of the school education department, questioning why a criminal contempt case had not been filed against them. The court said it was “shocked” to read media reports about a February 2026 publication titled “Exploring Society: India and Beyond”. It noted that the chapter, while discussing “the role of the judiciary in our society,” made prominent reference to complaints against judges and suggested inaction, without adequately highlighting the role of the judiciary in upholding constitutional morality, the principle of basic structure, legal aid, and access to justice.
The court, on prima facie examination, said that the content read together with the administrative response of the director he was defending, indicated a “deliberate move to undermine institutional authority and degrade the dignity of the judiciary.”
She explained that the measures were not intended to “stifle any legitimate criticism.” The court added that exposing students “in their formative years” to a “biased narrative” could generate lasting misconceptions.
The court cited the “serious consequences” and “permanent impact on the independence and independence of the judiciary.” She said this behavior may fall within the definition of criminal contempt because it appeared to scandalize the institution and was inconsistent with the administration of justice.
The court directed NCERT, in coordination with the union and state education departments, to ensure that all physical and digital copies of the book are removed from public access immediately. It banned the production and distribution of the book, warning that any attempt to distribute it would amount to a deliberate violation of its regulations.
