Just a day before the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the controversy surrounding a now-withdrawn Class 8 social science textbook, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an “unconditional and unqualified apology” over the disputed content.
The controversy centres on a chapter dealing with the role of the judiciary that appeared in a recently released textbook titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond for Grade 8 students. The book was published barely two weeks ago, before the debate over its contents escalated.
NCERT, in their recent statement, confirmed that the book has now been withdrawn completely. “The National Council of Educational Research and Training [NCERT] has recently published a social science textbook, ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond,’ Grade 8 (Part II), which contains Chapter IV titled ‘The Role of Judiciary in our Society.’ 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 The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available,” the Council stated in their statement on X (formerly Twitter).
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate the understanding of all stakeholders. NCERT remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational content.”
SC refuses to close NCERT textbook case
Taking note of the issue on its own, the apex court initiated a suo motu case and expressed serious concern over how the judiciary had been portrayed in a school textbook.
The apex court called the chapter a “calculated move to undermine and demean the dignity of the judiciary.” It subsequently imposed a “complete blanket ban” on any further publication, reprinting, or digital circulation of the book.
During the hearing in February, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant made it clear: “As head of the judiciary, it is my duty to find out who is the person responsible. If there is more than one, heads must roll. Accountability must be there. I am not going to close these proceedings until I am satisfied.”
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The Supreme Court then, referring to the explanation submitted by NCERT, observed in its order, “Instead of having an introspection of what had been written in the book in a most reckless, irresponsible, contemptuous and motivated manner, the Director responded in writing, defending the contents of the book.”
