SC bans class 8 NCERT textbook; orders seizure, digital takedown
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on a Class 8 NCERT textbook containing a chapter on corruption in the judiciary, ordering the seizure of all physical copies and the removal of its digital versions.
The apex court directed the Centre and state authorities to comply immediately, warning of “serious action” if the orders were ignored. It also issued show-cause notices to the NCERT director and the school education secretary, seeking an explanation as to why action should not be taken against those responsible.
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that the chapter appeared to be part of a calculated attempt to undermine the institution and demean the dignity of the judiciary. The bench warned that such misconduct, which could have a lasting impact on public perception, would fall under the definition of criminal contempt.
“We would like to have a deeper probe,” the bench said, adding that if allowed to go unchecked, such acts could erode public faith in the judiciary. “No one will be allowed to go scot-free,” CJI Surya Kant said, stressing, “It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll.” He further described the episode as a “deep-rooted, well-planned conspiracy to defame the judiciary.”
The court also criticised NCERT for its communication on Wednesday, noting that it contained no apology and instead sought to justify the chapter. At the outset of Thursday’s hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 11.
With PTI inputs