NCERT issues 'unconditional' apology after row over judiciary chapter in class 8 textbook: 'Entire book withdrawn'

NCERT had recalled the book following a blanket ban imposed by the Supreme Court on its publication and dissemination

• NCERT apologizes for textbook chapter on judiciary corruption.
• Book withdrawn after Supreme Court reprimand and ban.
• NCERT urges return and deletion of related materials and content.

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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Tuesday issued a public apology over a chapter on corruption in judiciary.

"National Council of Educational Research and Training [NCERT] has recently published a social science text book "Exploring Society: India and Beyond" Grade 8 (Part II) which contained Chapter IV titled The Role of Judiciary in our Society," NCERT said.

"The Director and Members of NCERT hereby tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for the said Chapter IV. The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available," it added.

The council expressed regret for the inconvenience caused, reiterating its commitment to accuracy and sensitivity in educational materials.

"NCERT remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational content," a post shared by the council read.

The development came after the Supreme Court reprimanded the NCERT over the chapter in the class 8 textbook, calling it a “deep-rooted and well-planned conspiracy”.

On Februray 26, the top court also directed NCERT to submit detailed records of the Teaching-Learning Materials Committee that approved the chapter, including the names, qualifications, and credentials of all members of the development team.

NCERT had recalled the book following a blanket ban imposed by the Supreme Court on its publication and dissemination.

In a media advisory, NCERT requested that "any individual or organisation, who is in possession of the NCERT textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Social Science Grade 8 Part 2, or any material related to it, may return it to the Head, Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS) or Publication Division, NCERT, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi, at the earliest possible".

The council also asked that any content related to the chapter "Role of Judiciary in Our Society", if shared on social media or digital platforms, be deleted at the earliest possible time.