NCERT withdraws Class 8 textbook after judiciary chapter sparks backlash
NCERT withdraws Class 8 textbook after judiciary chapter sparks backlash
India’s National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has withdrawn a Class 8 social science textbook and issued an unconditional apology following controversy over a chapter discussing the judiciary.
The textbook, “Exploring Society: India and Beyond” (Part II), included a chapter titled “The Role of Judiciary in our Society”, which referenced issues such as corruption, case backlogs, and shortages of judges. The content drew strong criticism, with concerns raised over how the judiciary was portrayed in material intended for school students.
In a statement, NCERT said it “tender[s] an unconditional and unqualified apology” for the chapter and confirmed that the entire book has been withdrawn from circulation. The council added that it remains committed to maintaining accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational content.
The controversy escalated after India’s Supreme Court took serious note of the content, reportedly imposing a blanket ban on the textbook’s publication and distribution. The court criticised the inclusion, warning that such references could undermine the dignity of the judiciary.
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