'Deep-rooted, well-planned conspiracy to defame judiciary': Supreme Court slams NCERT over corruption chapter in book
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 26, 2026
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The Supreme Court of India has strongly condemned the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) over a controversial chapter in a newly introduced Class 8 social science textbook that discusses corruption and backlogs in the judiciary. Chief Justice Surya Kant labeled the content as part of a "deep-rooted, well-planned conspiracy to defame the judiciary" and issued show-cause notices to the NCERT Director and School Education Secretary, demanding accountability. The Solicitor General tendered an unconditional apology on behalf of the education ministry, but CJI Kant criticized NCERT for failing to apologize and justifying the content instead.
The chapter in question, titled "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society," includes references to corruption and inefficiencies within the judicial system, which prompted the Supreme Court to initiate a deeper probe. The court warned of serious action if NCERT defied its directives regarding the textbook's distribution. This marks the second consecutive day of sharp criticism from the top court, following an earlier rebuke for introducing such content in educational material.
In response to the backlash, NCERT has withdrawn the revised textbook and recalled
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/26/2026