NCERT textbook on 'corruption in judiciary' withdrawn after CJI rebuke: Report
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 25, 2026
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The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has withdrawn its new Class 8 Social Science textbook after it included a section on “corruption in the judiciary.” The decision came following a strong rebuke from Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, who emphasized that no one would be allowed to “defame” the judiciary. The matter was raised in the Supreme Court by senior lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who argued that the textbook unfairly singled out the judiciary while omitting corruption in other sectors like bureaucracy and politics.
The CJI acknowledged the gravity of the issue, calling it a “calculated and deep-rooted” attempt to tarnish the judiciary’s image. He initiated suo moto proceedings to address the matter, signaling his determination to protect the institution from what he described as unwarranted criticism. The revised chapter in the textbook, titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society,” had shifted focus from merely explaining court hierarchy and access to justice to addressing challenges like corruption and case backlogs.
This incident highlights broader concerns about institutional integrity and public perception. Critics argue that selective portrayal of corruption undermines trust in vital institutions and risks skewing young minds. The withdrawal underscores the delicate balance between fostering critical thinking and maintaining respect for judicial authority, a tension that resonates globally as societies grapple with how to teach complex societal issues.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026