The NCERT has issued an unconditional apology after the Supreme Court scheduled a suo motu hearing on a chapter alleging judicial corruption in a Class 8 textbook. Key Developments On 10 March 2026 , NCERT released a press statement tendering an “unconditional and unqualified apology” for Chapter IV titled “The Role of Judiciary in our Society”. The Supreme Court, in a prior hearing, expressed dissatisfaction with NCERT’s earlier “regret” note and demanded accountability, stating “heads must roll”. Earlier, on 26 February 2026 , the Court issued show‑cause notices to the NCERT Director and the Secretary of the School Education Department for possible contempt proceedings . The Court also directed a ban on the textbook’s circulation and removal of its soft copies. Important Facts The textbook in question is the Grade 8 (Part II) social science book “ Exploring Society: India and Beyond ”. Chapter IV, “The Role of Judiciary in our Society”, allegedly portrayed the judiciary in a corrupt light, prompting the Court’s intervention. All printed copies of the book have been withdrawn, and digital versions are to be taken down. The hearing is slated for 11 March 2026 , a day after the apology. UPSC Relevance This episode touches upon several GS‑paper themes. It illustrates the functioning of the Chief Justice of India in safeguarding judicial dignity, the limits of educational autonomy, and the mechanisms of judicial review over public policy. Aspirants should note how the judiciary can invoke suo motu powers to protect institutional integrity, and how contempt of court safeguards respect for judicial orders. Way Forward NCERT must review its editorial oversight mechanisms to prevent similar lapses. The Ministry of Education should issue clear guidelines on portraying constitutional institutions in school textbooks. Future curricula may undergo pre‑clearance by a judicial liaison committee to ensure compliance with constitutional values. Stakeholders, including teachers and students, should be sensitised about the constitutional role of the judiciary to avoid misinformation.