NCERT issues unconditional apology and withdraws Class 8 social science textbook after controversy over judiciary chapter
New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an “unconditional and unqualified apology” after controversy erupted over a chapter related to the judiciary in its recently published Class 8 social science textbook.
Book withdrawn after controversy
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In a statement posted on X, NCERT said the entire textbook titled “Exploring Society: India and Beyond” (Grade 8, Part II) has been withdrawn and is no longer available.
The apology specifically referred to Chapter IV titled “The Role of Judiciary in Our Society.” The chapter included a section discussing “Corruption in the judiciary,” which sparked concerns and criticism.
NCERT said it regretted the inconvenience caused and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards in educational content.
Commitment to responsible educational content
In its statement, the council emphasised that it remains committed to ensuring accuracy, sensitivity and responsibility in textbooks used in schools across the country.
The organisation said the withdrawal was necessary after concerns were raised regarding how the judiciary was portrayed in the chapter. Earlier, the Supreme Court of India imposed a blanket ban on the publication and dissemination of the textbook.
The court’s order dated February 26 directed that no further printing or digital distribution of the book should take place.
The order also warned that any attempt to circulate the same content through alternative titles or digital platforms would be treated as a violation of the court’s directions.
Recall of copies already circulated
Following the court order, NCERT issued a media advisory asking individuals or organisations possessing the textbook to return it.
The council requested that copies of “Exploring Society: India and Beyond – Social Science Grade 8 Part II” be sent back to the Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS) or the Publication Division at NCERT headquarters in New Delhi.
NCERT also asked that any digital or social media content related to the chapter “Role of Judiciary in Our Society” be deleted immediately.
Along with the ban, the Supreme Court directed NCERT to submit detailed records of the Teaching-Learning Materials Committee that approved the chapter.
The court asked for information including the names, qualifications and credentials of all members involved in developing the textbook content.
The issue has triggered wider discussion about content oversight and the review process for school textbooks in India.
(With ANI inputs)
Published: 10 Mar 2026, 10:34 am IST
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