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26 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
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Richa Singh|India
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

CJI objects to NCERT book section on judicial corruption

CJI Surya Kant objects to NCERT textbook section on 'corruption in judiciary'.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has objected to a section in the new Social Science textbook for Class 8 published by NCERT that includes content on "corruption in the judiciary." The Supreme Court has registered a suo motu case regarding the matter. CJI Surya Kant stated that he would not allow anyone to defame the institution. Following criticism, NCERT has stopped the sale of the book.

Key Facts

1.

CJI Surya Kant objected to a section in the new Social Science textbook for Class 8 by NCERT.

2.

The textbook includes content on "corruption in the judiciary".

3.

The Supreme Court registered a suo motu case regarding the matter.

4.

NCERT has stopped the sale of the book following criticism.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary.

2.

Ethical considerations in governance and public service.

3.

Role of educational institutions in shaping public opinion and promoting constitutional values.

In Simple Words

Imagine someone spreading rumors about how fair the judges are. The head of the Supreme Court, the CJI, is upset that a school textbook talks about corruption in courts. He worries this could make people lose faith in the justice system.

India Angle

In India, people rely on courts to solve disputes fairly. If students are taught that courts are corrupt, they might not trust the system when they need it. This can affect everyone, from farmers fighting land disputes to small business owners dealing with contracts.

For Instance

Think of it like a referee in a cricket match. If players start believing the referee is biased, the whole game becomes unfair. Similarly, if people distrust the judiciary, the entire legal system suffers.

If people don't trust the courts, they might take the law into their own hands or feel helpless against injustice. A fair court system is essential for a peaceful and just society.

Trust in the courts is the foundation of justice.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has taken serious exception to a section in the new Social Science textbook for Class 8 by NCERT that includes content on "corruption in the judiciary." The Supreme Court has registered a suo motu case regarding the matter. The CJI stated that he would not allow anyone to defame the institution. NCERT has stopped the sale of the book following criticism.

Expert Analysis

The recent controversy surrounding the NCERT textbook and its section on judicial corruption brings several key concepts into focus.

The first is Suo Motu Jurisdiction. This Latin term, meaning "on its own motion," refers to the power of a court to take up a case on its own initiative, without waiting for a formal complaint. In this instance, the Supreme Court registered a suo motu case regarding the NCERT textbook content, demonstrating its authority to address matters it deems important for the integrity of the judiciary. This power is crucial for the court to safeguard its reputation and ensure public trust, especially when potential defamation is involved.

Another important concept is Judicial Independence. This principle ensures that judges can make decisions free from external pressures or influences. The CJI's strong reaction to the textbook content underscores the importance of maintaining judicial independence. Allegations of corruption, even if presented in an educational context, can erode public confidence in the judiciary and undermine its ability to function impartially. The judiciary's ability to act without fear or favor is essential for upholding the rule of law.

Finally, the role of NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) is significant. Established in 1961, NCERT is an autonomous organization responsible for advising the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes related to school education. Its textbooks are widely used in schools across India. Therefore, the content included in NCERT textbooks carries considerable weight and can shape public perception. The decision to include a section on "corruption in the judiciary" and the subsequent withdrawal of the book highlight the sensitivity surrounding this issue and the need for careful consideration of the potential impact of educational materials on public opinion.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial. Questions in both prelims and mains can address the scope of suo motu jurisdiction, the importance of judicial independence, and the role of institutions like NCERT in shaping public discourse. Furthermore, the ethical dimensions of judicial conduct and the potential for conflicts between freedom of expression and the need to maintain public trust in institutions are relevant topics for essay questions.

Visual Insights

NCERT Textbook Controversy: A Timeline of Events

This timeline illustrates the key events surrounding the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook controversy, highlighting the Supreme Court's suo motu action and NCERT's response.

The judiciary's proactive role, especially through suo motu actions and PILs since the 1980s, has been crucial in addressing public interest issues. The current controversy underscores the judiciary's sensitivity towards its institutional integrity and the need for accurate representation in public education.

  • 1980sRise of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India, expanding the scope of judicial activism and suo motu powers.
  • 2018Supreme Court takes suo motu cognizance of the Kathua rape case, transferring the trial to ensure fairness.
  • 2020Supreme Court initiates suo motu proceedings regarding the plight of migrant workers during the nationwide lockdown.
  • 2021Supreme Court takes suo motu cognizance of the COVID-19 situation in India, addressing healthcare infrastructure issues.
  • 2024CJI objects to NCERT Class 8 textbook section on 'corruption in the judiciary'.
  • 2024Supreme Court registers a suo motu case regarding the NCERT textbook content.
  • 2024NCERT stops sale of the book and announces rewriting of the 'inappropriate material'.
  • 2026Current Date: The controversy highlights ongoing debates on judicial independence and public perception.
More Information

Background

The Constitution of India guarantees an independent judiciary, essential for upholding the rule of law. This independence is safeguarded through various provisions, including security of tenure for judges and protection from undue influence. The judiciary's role is to interpret laws, resolve disputes, and ensure that the government acts within its constitutional limits. Any perceived threat to its integrity, such as allegations of corruption, can undermine public trust and weaken the foundations of democracy. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), established in 1961, plays a crucial role in shaping the curriculum and textbooks used in schools across India. Its mandate includes promoting quality education and fostering critical thinking among students. However, the inclusion of sensitive topics like corruption in the judiciary requires careful consideration to ensure accuracy, balance, and avoidance of defamation. The recent controversy highlights the challenges in balancing academic freedom with the need to protect the reputation of vital institutions. The concept of judicial accountability is also relevant. While judicial independence is paramount, mechanisms for addressing misconduct or corruption within the judiciary are necessary to maintain public confidence. These mechanisms typically involve internal disciplinary procedures, as well as the possibility of impeachment for serious offenses. Striking a balance between accountability and independence is crucial for ensuring a fair and effective justice system.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing discussion about judicial reforms and the need for greater transparency and accountability within the judiciary. Various committees and commissions have been formed to examine these issues and recommend improvements. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, for example, made several recommendations regarding judicial reforms, including measures to enhance transparency and efficiency. The issue of judicial appointments and the role of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) has also been a subject of debate. While the NJAC Act was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015, the debate over the appointment process continues. There is ongoing discussion about finding a balance between judicial independence and the need for greater public input in the selection of judges. Looking ahead, efforts to strengthen judicial infrastructure and reduce the backlog of cases are likely to remain a priority. The government has launched initiatives such as the e-Courts project to digitize court records and streamline court processes. These efforts aim to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the justice system.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Suo Motu' jurisdiction of the Supreme Court: 1. It empowers the court to take up cases on its own initiative without waiting for a formal complaint. 2. It is explicitly mentioned as a fundamental right under Article 32 of the Constitution. 3. The recent NCERT textbook controversy is an example of the Supreme Court exercising its Suo Motu jurisdiction. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Suo Motu jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to take up cases on its own initiative. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Article 32 deals with the right to constitutional remedies, but does not explicitly mention Suo Motu jurisdiction. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Supreme Court registered a Suo Motu case regarding the NCERT textbook content.

2. Which of the following committees/commissions has NOT given recommendations related to judicial reforms in India?

  • A.Second Administrative Reforms Commission
  • B.Law Commission of India
  • C.Sarkaria Commission
  • D.Rangarajan Committee
Show Answer

Answer: D

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission and the Law Commission of India have given recommendations related to judicial reforms. The Sarkaria Commission dealt with Centre-State relations. The Rangarajan Committee was related to the measurement of poverty.

3. In the context of the recent controversy surrounding the NCERT textbook, what is the primary function of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)?

  • A.To regulate the appointment of judges in the Supreme Court
  • B.To advise the Central and State Governments on policies related to school education
  • C.To investigate allegations of corruption within the judiciary
  • D.To enforce the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution
Show Answer

Answer: B

The NCERT is an autonomous organization responsible for advising the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes related to school education. It is not involved in judicial appointments, corruption investigations, or enforcing fundamental rights.

Source Articles

Exclusive: NCERT pulls out new Class 8 Social Science textbook after row over section on ‘corruption in judiciary’ | India News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·26 Feb 2026

‘Will not allow anyone to defame institution’: CJI takes exception to NCERT’s Class 8 book section on ‘corruption in judiciary’

The Indian Express·26 Feb 2026

NCERT scrambles to contact all 38 buyers of book, gets back 16 copies | Education News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·26 Feb 2026

NCERT Class 8 Textbook Row Live Updates: Supreme Court imposes complete ban on book

The Indian Express·26 Feb 2026

Daily Briefing: NCERT expresses ‘regret’ after CJI counters mention of judicial ‘corruption’ in Social Science textbook | Live News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·26 Feb 2026
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About the Author

Richa Singh

Public Policy Researcher & Current Affairs Writer

Richa Singh writes about Polity & Governance at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.

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