Wed Feb 25 19:22:04 UTC 2026: ### NCERT Apologizes, Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Textbook Content on Judicial Corruption
The Story:
The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an apology after a section on “corruption” within the judiciary was included in the Class 8 Social Science textbook. The Supreme Court of India registered a suo motu case on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, regarding the inclusion. The NCERT stated that the “inappropriate textual material” and “error in judgement” had “inadvertently crept” into the chapter. Distribution of the book has been halted pending further review. A three-judge bench is scheduled to hear the case on February 26, 2026.
Key Points:
* The Supreme Court registered a suo motu case concerning a section on “corruption” in the judiciary in the Class 8 NCERT Social Science textbook on February 25, 2026.
* The NCERT issued a statement apologizing for the “inappropriate textual material” and “error in judgement.”
* Distribution of the textbook was put on “strict hold” on February 24, 2026, by the Department of School Education and Literacy.
* The chapter in question, titled ‘The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society’, mentioned corruption, a backlog of cases, and a lack of judges as “challenges” faced by the judicial system.
* The NCERT aims to rewrite the material after consultation and plans to make it available for the 2026-27 academic session.
* A three-judge Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi is scheduled to hear the case on February 26, 2026.
Critical Analysis:
The prompt and decisive actions of both the Supreme Court and the NCERT suggest a high level of sensitivity surrounding the portrayal of the judiciary, particularly in educational materials. The government sources stating the “Portion On Judiciary Will Be Removed” before the NCERT apology suggests a coordinated response to mitigate potential damage to the judiciary’s reputation.
Key Takeaways:
* The Indian judiciary is highly protective of its image and reputation, especially concerning content accessible to children.
* The NCERT is responsive to concerns raised by both the judiciary and the Department of School Education.
* The incident highlights the importance of careful review and vetting of educational materials to avoid unintentional misrepresentations or controversies.
* Constitutional literacy and institutional respect are key objectives of the new NCERT textbook.
Impact Analysis:
This incident could lead to stricter oversight of NCERT textbook content in the future, particularly regarding sensitive topics related to governmental institutions. The rewriting of the material and consultation with appropriate authorities may set a precedent for a more collaborative approach to curriculum development, ensuring greater accuracy and sensitivity. This event could also increase public scrutiny of educational materials and their potential impact on shaping perceptions of key institutions.
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