PM Modi Flags Concern Over NCERT Judiciary Row After Supreme Court’s Strong Rebuke
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed strong displeasure over the controversy surrounding an NCERT Class 8 textbook that referred to “corruption in judiciary”, government. The issue came under intense scrutiny after the Supreme Court of India sharply criticised the content, terming it defamatory and damaging to the credibility of the judicial system.
PM Seeks Accountability
According to top sources, the Prime Minister sought to know who was responsible for overseeing the textbook content and questioned how such a sensitive subject had been included in material meant for Class 8 students. He reportedly called for accountability in the matter.
The development followed an unconditional apology from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), which announced it would withdraw the textbook and revise the curriculum.
Court Orders Seizure, Issues Contempt Notice
The controversy centres on Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II, released on February 24. Within hours of its publication, the book was taken down from the NCERT website and distribution was halted after the court expressed strong objections.
The matter was mentioned for urgent hearing by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued a stern warning, stating that “nobody on earth will be allowed to defame the judiciary and taint its integrity.”
Calling the publication “serious misconduct”, the Supreme Court directed that all copies containing the contentious chapter be immediately seized. It also issued a contempt notice to NCERT Chairman Dinesh Prasad Saklani and the Secretary of School Education.
During the hearing, CJI Kant said accountability must be fixed, observing that as head of the judiciary, it was his duty to ensure responsibility was determined. Appearing for NCERT, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
Textbook to Be Rewritten
NCERT has said it will comprehensively revise the textbook’s curriculum, as the controversy intensifies scrutiny over the content approval process within the country’s apex educational body. The matter remains under close watch amid demands for institutional accountability.
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