NCERT Class 8 Book Banned by Supreme Court Over Chapter on Corruption in Judiciary

February 26, 2026

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday took strong objection to a class 8 Social Science textbook by NCERT that contained a section on “corruption in judiciary,” terming it a potential attempt to undermine the institution.

In reality, not a single section of society has been left untouched. It is a deep-rooted, well-planned, and orchestrated conspiracy.”, the CJI said.

“They have fired the gun and the judiciary is bleeding today. Today, anybody can say anything. At times, there is a mounting attack on us, and we are aware of it.The material is available online, on the internet, and even in stores. This is a very calculated move — the entire teaching will be dictated. When you look at how the Indian judiciary is portrayed as corrupt, it becomes evident what message is being sent.

The entire teaching community will first be instructed that this is what they have to teach.

In reality, not a single section of society has been left untouched. It is a deep-rooted, well-planned, and orchestrated conspiracy.”, the CJI said.

Court Issues Notice to NCERT Director and Education Department 

A Bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, and Vipul M Pancholi said those responsible must be held accountable and issued notices under the Contempt of Courts Act to NCERT Director Dr. Dinesh Prasad Saklani and the Department of School Education.

The Court ordered the immediate removal of all hard and digital copies of the book from schools, retail outlets, and online platforms, and imposed a blanket ban on further production and distribution. NCERT was also directed to submit the names of members of the National Syllabi Board responsible for the chapter, along with meeting minutes.

CJI Surya Kant Calls for Deeper Probe Into the Matter

The Bench clarified that the proceedings are not meant to stifle legitimate critique but to prevent biased narratives from influencing students and to uphold the integrity of education. The Court warned that if the publication of the chapter is found deliberate, it could amount to criminal contempt of court.

The social science textbook for Class 8, published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training, discusses various challenges faced by the judicial system, including corruption, a substantial backlog of cases and an insufficient number of judges.

A section in the revised textbook titled “corruption in the judiciary” states that judges are governed by a code of conduct that regulates not only their behaviour within the courtroom but also their conduct outside it.

NCERT had earlier issued an apology

NCERT had earlier issued an apology and stated that it would review and revise the chapter following proper consultation, acknowledging that the reference to corruption was inappropriate.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday initiated suo moto proceedings regarding the inclusion of a section on “corruption in the judiciary” within the new NCERT class 8 (Eighth) Social Science textbook, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asserting that the institution will not be allowed to be defamed.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) also issued an apology and withdrew the distribution of its newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook after “inappropriate textual material and error of judgement” were found in a chapter on the judiciary.