NCERT begins process to identify persons responsible for Class 8 chapter on ‘judicial corruption’

The NCERT has drawn flak for a chapter on 'judicial corruption' in a Class 8 social science textbook.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), which got mired in controversy for a chapter on 'corruption in judiciary' in its Class 8 social science textbook, said it is ascertaining the process of making textbooks which led to an error in judgement.

According to sources in the know of the matter, NCERT is identifying persons responsible for inclusion of the text on judicial corruption in the Class 8 textbook.

The decision comes after the Supreme Court objected to the inclusion of a chapter on “corruption in the judiciary” in a Class 8 textbook.

Asserting that no one would be allowed to “defame” the institution of judiciary, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said, “We would like to have a deeper probe. As head of the judiciary, it is my duty to ensure accountability; heads must roll."

Besides serving a showcause notice to the NCERT chairperson, the Supreme Court also said why no action should be taken against the education body for 'contempt of court.' Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his displeasure over the reference to judicial corruption in the Class 8 NCERT textbook and sought for accountability.

The NCERT has already stopped the sale of the Class 8 social science textbook. In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, NCERT said it has put the book's distribution on "strict hold" and apologised for what it termed an "error of judgement".

The NCERT introduced a section on "corruption in the judiciary" in its new Class 8 Social Science textbook.  The revised chapter, titled "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society", discussed key challenges facing the judicial system, such as alleged corruption at different levels, a shortage of judges, complex legal procedures, and inadequate infrastructure — factors it says have contributed to mounting case pendency.