The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on a Class 8 NCERT textbook containing a chapter on corruption in the judiciary, directing authorities to seize all physical copies and ensure immediate removal of its digital versions.
The apex court ordered the Centre and state governments to comply with its directions without delay, warning of “serious action” in case of any defiance. It also issued show-cause notices to the NCERT Director and the School Education Secretary, asking them to explain why action should not be initiated against those responsible for the publication.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that the inclusion of the contentious content appeared to be a “calculated move” to undermine the institution and demean the dignity of the judiciary. The court remarked that such misconduct, with a potentially lasting impact on public confidence, could fall within the ambit of criminal contempt.
“If allowed to go unchecked, this will erode people’s faith in the judiciary. No one will be allowed to go scot-free,” the bench said, adding that a deeper probe was required. The Chief Justice asserted that as head of the institution, it was his duty to identify those responsible, stating that “heads must roll” if wrongdoing is established.
The court also took exception to NCERT’s communication issued on Wednesday, noting that it did not contain a word of apology and instead appeared to justify the content. At the outset of the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 11.
