An unconditional and unqualified apology was tendered in the Supreme Court on Thursday over the controversial Class 8 NCERT Social Science textbook. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta apologised on behalf of the Ministry of Education amid the ongoing row, Hindustan Times reported.
The Supreme Court also issued show cause notices to the NCERT director and the school education secretary, asking why action should not be taken against them.
What is the controversy surrounding NCERT?
The controversy began after the top court objected to a chapter in the Class 8 book that carried a section on "corruption in the judiciary." The book, titled 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II', was released on February 24, 2026.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant came down heavily on the council. He said, "There appears to be a deep-rooted, well-planned conspiracy to defame judiciary", as reported by PTI. He added, "It is my duty to find out who is responsible; heads must roll," and warned, "No one will be allowed to go scot-free."
Also Read | NCERT Class 8 textbook sparks judicial backlash, CJI calls it a ‘calculated attack’
NCERT withdraws book
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) said it "regrets the inclusion of inappropriate material" in Chapter 4, titled "The Role of Judiciary in our Society."
"The aforesaid error is purely unintentional, and NCERT regrets the inclusion of inappropriate material in the said chapter," the council said in a statement.
It clarified that it holds the judiciary in the highest esteem and sees it as the upholder of the Constitution and protector of Fundamental Rights. The Department of School Education and Literacy directed that distribution of the book be put on strict hold. NCERT said it has complied, HT reported.
Also Read | Marriage promise broken over horoscope? Delhi HC flags possible criminal offence
NCERT trying to retrieve sold copies
Out of 2.25 lakh copies printed, only 38 were sold, sources told ANI. The remaining 2,24,962 copies were still in inventory and have been recalled to the NCERT warehouse.
The council is now trying to retrieve the 38 copies that were sold. The court has indicated it may order a takedown of the controversial excerpts. The matter is under review.
