Overview
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu action against the NCERT for a Chapter on “corruption in judiciary” in the Class 8 Social Science textbook.
Key Developments
- Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi will hear the matter.
- The case, titled “In Re: Social Science Textbook for Grade‑8 (Part 2) published by NCERT and ancillary issues”, was registered (suo motu) on 25 February 2024.
- Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Dr AM Singhvi raised concerns before the CJI, alleging the chapter scandalises the judiciary.
- Following the CJI’s displeasure, NCERT reportedly withdrew the textbook.
Important Facts
The contested chapter discusses alleged instances of judicial corruption, a sensitive subject that can influence public perception of the judiciary. The Class 8 Social Science textbook is a key tool for imparting constitutional values to young citizens.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the Court’s suo motu jurisdiction is essential for GS 2 (Polity) questions on judicial review and checks‑and‑balances. The episode also highlights the role of NCERT in shaping educational content, relevant for GS 1 (Education) and for debates on freedom of expression versus institutional integrity.
Way Forward
Stakeholders are expected to review the textbook content to ensure it aligns with constitutional values while avoiding defamation of institutions. The Supreme Court’s intervention may set a precedent for future challenges to educational material, underscoring the need for a balanced approach between academic freedom and respect for the judiciary.