PM Modi unhappy with chapter on 'corruption in judiciary' in Class 8 NCERT textbook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed displeasure over a reference to judicial corruption in a Class 8 NCERT textbook, a move that has prompted the Supreme Court to issue a showcause notice to the Secretary of School Education in the Ministry of Education and the Director of NCERT.

According to sources in the know of the matter, during the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (February 24), PM Modi was unhappy with the inclusion of a corruption case involving the judiciary in Class 8 NCERT textbooks, questioning both the suitability of the subject and the process under which it was cleared.

The Prime Minister also questioned who was monitoring and approving such content before it reached classrooms and said accountability will have to fixed.

Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court pulled up the NCERT Chairman regarding the inclusion of a chapter on “corruption in the judiciary” in a Class 8 textbook.

The Chief Justice of India banned the NCERT textbook chapter and prohibited the publication, re-printing, and digital sharing of the copies.

“We would like to have a deeper probe. As head of the judiciary, it is my duty to ensure accountability; heads must roll," Chief Justice Surya Kant said as he grilled Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the NCERT.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed regret over the inclusion of the controversial chapter. "We hold the judiciary in the highest regard... There was absolutely no intention on the part of the government to disrespect the judiciary. We are taking this matter very seriously... We will fully comply with the judiciary's decision," said Pradhan.

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", goes beyond explaining the hierarchy of courts and access to justice.

The new chapter 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.