Wed Feb 25 06:08:22 UTC 2026: ### Headline: CJI Condemns NCERT Textbook’s Section on Judicial Corruption

The Story:

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has expressed strong disapproval of a section in the new NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook that addresses “corruption in the judiciary.” The CJI’s reaction came after senior advocates A M Singhvi and Kapil Sibal raised concerns about the textbook’s content during mentioning hours in court on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The textbook identifies “corruption at various levels of the judiciary” and “massive backlog” as challenges, leading to the CJI’s concern that the material could be a “deliberate and calculated measure” to defame the institution.

The controversial section acknowledges internal mechanisms for accountability, including the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), which received over 1,600 complaints between 2017 and 2021. It also mentions the possibility of impeachment proceedings for serious allegations. However, the text also states that people experience corruption within the judiciary, impacting access to justice, particularly for the poor and disadvantaged. It concludes by highlighting efforts to increase transparency and combat corruption.

Key Points:

  • The new NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook includes a section on “corruption in the judiciary”.
  • CJI Surya Kant took strong exception to the section, stating he “will not allow anyone to defame the institution.”
  • Senior advocates A M Singhvi and Kapil Sibal brought the issue to the CJI’s attention.
  • The textbook section lists “corruption at various levels of the judiciary” and “massive backlog” as challenges.
  • The section references the judiciary’s internal accountability mechanisms and the possibility of impeachment.
  • It acknowledges that corruption impacts access to justice, especially for the poor.

Key Takeaways:

  • The inclusion of content about judicial corruption in a school textbook has sparked a significant controversy.
  • The CJI’s strong reaction underscores the sensitivity surrounding criticisms of the judiciary.
  • The incident highlights the ongoing debate about transparency and accountability within the Indian judicial system.
  • The NCERT’s decision to include this content suggests a potential shift towards greater openness about institutional challenges.
  • The incident may lead to further scrutiny of the NCERT curriculum and its portrayal of various institutions.

Impact Analysis:

This event could have several long-term implications:

  • Curriculum Review: The NCERT may face pressure to revise or remove the controversial section. This could lead to a broader review of how sensitive or controversial topics are handled in school textbooks.
  • Judicial Scrutiny: The judiciary may feel compelled to address the concerns raised about corruption more proactively, potentially leading to reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.
  • Public Discourse: The incident is likely to fuel public debate about the state of the Indian judicial system and the need for improvements.
  • Increased Awareness: The inclusion of the topic in a textbook will raise awareness among students about the challenges facing the judiciary.
  • Government-Judiciary Relations: This event could strain the relationship between the government (represented by NCERT) and the judiciary, depending on how the situation is handled moving forward.

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