'Will not allow anybody to defame SC': CJI pulls up NCERT over text on judicial corruption
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 25, 2026
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has strongly objected to a reference made in an NCERT Class 8 social science textbook regarding corruption within the judiciary. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant took suo motu cognizance of the matter, calling it a calculated attempt to defame one of the nation's most trusted institutions. The court expressed deep concern over what it perceives as selective criticism targeting only the judiciary while ignoring other sectors like politics and bureaucracy.
The textbook in question includes a chapter titled "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society," which discusses systemic challenges facing India's judicial system, including corruption and case backlogs. While the inclusion of such topics aims to foster awareness among students about societal issues, it has sparked outrage due to its focus on perceived shortcomings within the judiciary. Legal luminaries like Kapil Sibal and Mukul Rohatgi argued that exposing schoolchildren to such content undermines public trust in an institution crucial for upholding justice.
The bench emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial integrity and dismissed claims of corruption as baseless, asserting that the judiciary remains a pillar of faith for the Indian people. The court has instructed NCERT to revise the content to avoid any perception of bias or disrespect towards the judiciary. This development highlights the delicate balance between fostering critical thinking in education and preserving public trust in key institutions.
The case underscores the broader debate over how systemic issues are portrayed in educational materials, particularly when it comes to revered institutions like the judiciary. As India grapples with challenges such as judicial corruption and case backlogs, this incident raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and the role of education in shaping public perception. The outcome will likely influence how sensitive topics are handled in school curricula moving forward.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026