27 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express

4 min

Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Supreme Court Bans NCERT Textbook Section on Judiciary Corruption

CJI condemns NCERT for undermining judiciary; PM seeks accountability for textbook content.

The Supreme Court has banned the NCERT textbook section on "Corruption in the Judiciary" from its Class 8 social science textbook. The ban includes any further publication, reprinting, or digital dissemination of the book. The court criticized the inclusion as a calculated attempt to undermine the judiciary's dignity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed strong disapproval of the content, directing the Education Minister to identify and hold accountable those responsible for its inclusion. He questioned the rationale behind teaching such chapters to Class 8 students and the oversight mechanisms for textbook content.

This decision highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity and public trust in institutions, particularly the judiciary. The Prime Minister's intervention underscores the government's concern over the content and its potential impact on young minds. This news is relevant for UPSC aspirants, particularly in the Polity & Governance section (GS Paper II).

Key Facts

The Supreme Court banned the NCERT textbook section on "Corruption in the Judiciary".

The court called it a calculated move to undermine the judiciary's dignity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong disapproval of the content.

The Education Minister was asked to find out who was responsible.

UPSC Exam Angles

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

Ethical considerations in textbook content and its impact on public perception

Judicial reforms and the balance between independence and accountability

Potential essay question on the role of education in shaping perceptions of institutions

In Simple Words

The Supreme Court said that a textbook for kids had some stuff about judges being corrupt, which wasn't right. They stopped the book from being printed anymore. Even the Prime Minister was not happy about it and wants to know who let this happen.

India Angle

In India, people trust the courts to be fair. If textbooks teach kids that judges are corrupt, it can make people lose faith in the system. This can affect how people seek justice and resolve disputes.

For Instance

Imagine if a school textbook taught that all shopkeepers cheat their customers. It would create distrust and make people hesitant to buy things. Similarly, wrongly portraying the judiciary can damage public trust.

It's important because what kids learn in school shapes their views about the country and its institutions. Making sure textbooks are accurate and fair helps build a strong and just society.

Protecting the reputation of our courts starts with what our kids learn.

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for including a section on "Corruption in the Judiciary" in its Class 8 social science textbook. The court imposed a complete ban on further publication, reprinting, or digital dissemination of the book, calling it a calculated move to undermine the judiciary's dignity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed strong disapproval of the content, asking the Education Minister to determine who was responsible for its inclusion and hold them accountable. The Prime Minister questioned why such chapters were being taught to Class 8 students and who was monitoring the content in textbooks.

Expert Analysis

The Supreme Court's ban on the NCERT textbook section addressing "Corruption in the Judiciary" raises important questions about the role of education in shaping perceptions of key institutions. To fully understand this issue, several concepts need to be considered.

First, the Independence of the Judiciary is a cornerstone of the Indian Constitution. This principle, derived from various articles including Article 50 (separation of judiciary from the executive) and interpreted through numerous Supreme Court judgments like the S.P. Gupta case (1981) and the Second Judges Case (1993), ensures that the judiciary can function without undue influence from the executive or legislature. The inclusion of a section on "Corruption in the Judiciary" in a textbook, without proper context and nuance, could potentially undermine this independence by eroding public trust and confidence in the institution.

Second, the role of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is crucial. Established in 1961, NCERT is an autonomous organization responsible for advising the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education. Its primary function is to prepare and publish model textbooks, supplementary material, and other educational resources. The controversy surrounding the inclusion of the section on judicial corruption highlights the need for a robust review and oversight mechanism within NCERT to ensure that the content is accurate, balanced, and appropriate for the target age group. The Prime Minister's questioning of the content oversight directly relates to NCERT's responsibilities.

Third, the concept of Judicial Accountability is essential. While the judiciary must be independent, it is also accountable for its actions. Mechanisms for ensuring accountability include internal disciplinary procedures, the process of impeachment for judges (Article 124(4) of the Constitution), and the right to appeal decisions to higher courts. However, these mechanisms must be implemented in a way that does not compromise the judiciary's independence. The NCERT textbook's approach to highlighting corruption, without adequately explaining these accountability mechanisms, could create a distorted view of the judiciary.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial for both Prelims and Mains. Questions may arise on the constitutional provisions related to the judiciary, the role and functions of NCERT, and the balance between judicial independence and accountability. In Mains, analytical questions may explore the ethical dimensions of including sensitive topics in school textbooks and the potential impact on public perception of institutions.

Visual Insights

NCERT Textbook Controversy: Timeline of Events

This timeline highlights the key events leading to the Supreme Court's ban on the NCERT textbook section on judiciary corruption.

The controversy surrounding the NCERT textbook is the culmination of ongoing debates about judicial independence, accountability, and the role of education in shaping public perception.

2015Supreme Court strikes down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act.
2022Supreme Court expresses concerns about delays in judicial appointments.
2023Parliament discusses judicial vacancies and the need to expedite appointments.
2024Debates about transparency and accountability of the collegium system.
2025Supreme Court issues guidelines to streamline the judicial appointment process.
2026NCERT includes a section on 'corruption in the judiciary' in its Class 8 social science textbook.
2026Supreme Court bans the NCERT textbook and issues contempt notices.
2026Education Minister expresses regret and vows accountability for the incident.

More Information

Background

The inclusion of a section on "Corruption in the Judiciary" in an NCERT textbook touches upon the sensitive issue of public perception of institutions. The NCERT, as the primary body responsible for curriculum development, has a significant influence on shaping young minds. Any content related to the judiciary requires careful consideration to avoid undermining its authority and independence. The judiciary's independence is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Indian Constitution. This principle is upheld through various mechanisms, including security of tenure for judges, separation of powers, and the power of judicial review. However, maintaining public trust in the judiciary is also crucial for its effective functioning. Unsubstantiated or poorly contextualized information about corruption can erode this trust. The Constitution of India provides for mechanisms to address judicial misconduct, such as impeachment (Article 124(4)) and internal disciplinary procedures. These mechanisms are designed to ensure accountability without compromising the judiciary's independence. The debate surrounding the NCERT textbook highlights the need for a balanced approach that acknowledges the importance of both accountability and the preservation of public trust in the judiciary.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on judicial reforms to enhance transparency and accountability. The establishment of e-courts and the increased use of technology in judicial processes are aimed at improving efficiency and reducing opportunities for corruption. The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), though struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015, reflects the ongoing debate about the process of judicial appointments and the need for greater transparency. Several committees have been formed to examine various aspects of judicial reforms, including the Arrears Committee and the Justice Malimath Committee. These committees have made recommendations on issues such as case management, infrastructure development, and judicial training. The government has also launched initiatives such as the National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms to address the backlog of cases and improve access to justice. Looking ahead, there is a continued focus on strengthening judicial infrastructure, promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and enhancing the capacity of judicial officers. The goal is to create a more efficient, transparent, and accountable judiciary that can effectively uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did the Supreme Court ban this particular NCERT section now? What triggered this immediate action?

The Supreme Court likely took immediate action due to concerns that the textbook section on 'Corruption in the Judiciary' could negatively impact the public's perception and trust in the judiciary, especially among young students. The timing suggests the court viewed the content as a current and ongoing threat to the judiciary's integrity.

2. How does this NCERT controversy relate to the larger issue of judicial accountability in India?

This controversy highlights the tension between the need for judicial accountability and the importance of maintaining the judiciary's independence and public trust. While reforms aimed at increasing accountability are ongoing (e.g., e-courts), the NCERT section was seen as undermining the judiciary's dignity rather than promoting constructive accountability.

3. If a Mains question asks me to 'Critically examine the role of NCERT in shaping young minds,' how can I use this news?

You can use this news as a recent example of the complexities involved in NCERT's role. A balanced answer would acknowledge NCERT's crucial role in education but also discuss the potential for controversies when dealing with sensitive topics like corruption and the need for rigorous oversight to prevent biased or inappropriate content.

4. What specific fact related to this news could UPSC test in the Prelims exam?

UPSC could ask a question about which class the controversial textbook was for (Class 8) or the name of the textbook section ('Corruption in the Judiciary'). A likely distractor would be to suggest it was a higher class or a different social science topic. examTip: Remember the class number to eliminate incorrect options.

Exam Tip

Remember the class number to eliminate incorrect options.

5. Why did Prime Minister Modi get involved in what seems like a textbook issue?

The Prime Minister's involvement signals the government's strong concern about the potential damage to the judiciary's reputation and the importance of instilling respect for institutions in young citizens. It also reflects the government's broader focus on education policy and curriculum development.

6. How does this situation relate to the concept of 'Independence of the Judiciary'?

The controversy underscores the importance of maintaining the judiciary's independence by protecting it from undue criticism or attempts to undermine its authority. While judicial accountability is necessary, it should not compromise the judiciary's ability to function without fear or favor.

7. What are the potential long-term consequences of teaching children about corruption in institutions?

The long-term consequences are complex. While awareness of corruption is important, prematurely exposing children to such issues without proper context could lead to cynicism and distrust. It's crucial to balance awareness with positive messages about civic responsibility and the rule of law.

8. Will this issue likely appear in GS Paper 2 (Governance) or GS Paper 4 (Ethics)?

This issue is most relevant to GS Paper 2 (Governance), specifically under topics related to the judiciary, accountability, and the role of educational institutions. It could also touch upon GS Paper 4 (Ethics) if the question explores the ethical implications of teaching sensitive content to children.

9. What should be India's approach to balancing judicial accountability and maintaining public trust in the judiciary?

India needs a multi-pronged approach: * Strengthening internal mechanisms within the judiciary for addressing misconduct. * Promoting transparency in judicial processes without compromising confidentiality where necessary. * Educating the public about the judiciary's role and the importance of respecting its independence. * Ensuring that any reforms are implemented in a way that does not undermine the judiciary's authority.

10. How does this controversy connect to the ongoing debate about the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)?

Both this controversy and the NJAC debate highlight concerns about the judiciary's accountability and transparency. While the NJAC aimed to change the appointment process, this NCERT issue raises questions about how the judiciary is perceived and portrayed in educational materials. Both reflect the ongoing tension between judicial independence and the need for public trust.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Independence of the Judiciary in India: 1. Article 50 of the Constitution mandates the separation of the judiciary from the executive. 2. The security of tenure for judges is a key aspect of ensuring judicial independence. 3. The power of judicial review allows the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of laws passed by the legislature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. Article 50 mandates the separation of the judiciary from the executive. Security of tenure ensures judges can act without fear of reprisal. Judicial review allows the judiciary to check the constitutionality of laws. Therefore, all these aspects contribute to the independence of the judiciary.

2. Which of the following is the primary function of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)?

A.Regulating higher education institutions
B.Conducting national-level entrance exams
C.Advising the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education
D.Providing financial assistance to students pursuing research

Show Answer

Answer: C

The NCERT's primary function is to advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education. It also prepares and publishes model textbooks, supplementary material, and other educational resources.

3. Assertion (A): The Supreme Court banned a section on "Corruption in the Judiciary" in an NCERT Class 8 textbook. Reason (R): The court deemed the content a calculated attempt to undermine the judiciary's dignity. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true but R is false
D.A is false but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The Supreme Court did ban the section, and it did so because it viewed the content as an attempt to undermine the judiciary's dignity.

4. Which of the following mechanisms are available to address judicial misconduct in India? 1. Impeachment of judges 2. Internal disciplinary procedures within the judiciary 3. Public Referendum Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Impeachment of judges (Article 124(4)) and internal disciplinary procedures are mechanisms to address judicial misconduct. Public Referendum is not a mechanism used in India to address judicial misconduct.