'Error of judgement': Judiciary row forces NCERT to rewrite chapter — here's what happened

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has decided to rewrite a chapter from its newly-released Class 8 Social Science textbook after describing certain portions as an "error of judgement". The move comes days after concerns were raised over content related to the judiciary.

The chapter, named "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society," covered issues such as pending cases in courts, a lack of judges, and inadequate infrastructure. Following complaints, the NCERT has announced that the chapter will be updated in consultation with the concerned authorities, reported NDTV.

Also Read | Campus clampdown under scrutiny: Delhi University’s protest ban challenged in High Court

In a late-night statement posted on X, the council said, "It has been observed that certain inappropriate textual material and error of judgement have inadvertently crept into Chapter No. 4, entitled 'The Role of Judiciary in Our Society' (pp. 125-142)."

Distribution halted, revision planned

NCERT said the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education had also flagged the issue and directed that distribution of the textbook remain on hold until further instructions.

Emphasising its institutional position, NCERT stated that it "holds the judiciary in highest esteem and considers it to be the upholder of the Indian Constitution and protector of Fundamental Rights", reported NDTV. The council clarified that the mistake was "purely unintentional" and corrective steps were already underway.

Also Read | ICSI CS Professional result December 2025 announced — here's how to check your score

"NCERT reiterates that the objective of the new textbooks is to strengthen constitutional literacy, institutional respect, and informed understanding of democratic participation amongst students. There is no intent to question or diminish the authority of any constitutional body," NDTV quoted the statement as saying.

The council added that feedback from stakeholders would guide the revision process. "As part of its continuous review process, NCERT remains open to constructive feedback. Hence, the same shall be re-written, with consultation of the appropriate authority, as necessary," it said.

The revised chapter is expected to be available at the start of the 2026–27 academic session.

Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance

The controversy reached the Supreme Court after senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi raised concerns, arguing that references to judicial corruption were "deeply disturbing" and "selective".

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, heading a bench, termed the issue a "matter of grave concern" and said the Court had taken suo motu cognisance. "I will not allow anyone to defame the institution... Bar and Bench all are perturbed. All High Court judges are perturbed," he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Also Read | AIIMS NORCET 10 registration opens: Check eligibility, exam dates and fees

"Please wait for a few days... Law will take its course," the CJI added.

NCERT concluded its statement by expressing regret, saying, "NCERT, once again, regrets this error of judgement and apologises while reiterating our resolve to continuously work for institutional sanctity and respect."