SC orders seizure of NCERT textbooks over ‘judiciary corruption’ chapter; directs Centre, states to immediately comply

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the seizure of all physical and digital copies in circulation of the NCERT Class 8 textbooks containing references to judicial corruption, directing the Centre and state authorities to immediately comply with its order.

After taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the apex court bench also banned the further publication of the chapter that has sparked widepsread controversy.

Also Read | SC Cracks Down Chapter on 'judicial corruption': NCERT apologises, Class 8 textbook to be rewritten


“It seems there is a calculated move to undermine the institution and demean the dignity of the judiciary… It is my duty to find out who is responsible; heads must roll,” the bench said. The top court further warned that “no one will be allowed to go scot-free.”

A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi was hearing the case concerning what it described as “objectionable” remarks about the judiciary.

The court also made clear that any attempt to circumvent or bypass its directions would be treated as direct interference with the administration of justice and could invite contempt proceedings.

The bench further issued show cause notices to the Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education and to NCERT Director Dr Dinesh Prasad Saklani, asking them to explain why suitable action, including under contempt law, should not be initiated against those responsible for preparing the sub-chapter titled “Corruption in the Judiciary.”

The issue was brought to the court’s attention for urgent consideration by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi.

The CJI observed that the episode appeared to suggest a “deep-rooted, well-planned conspiracy” to defame the judiciary, adding that the integrity of constitutional institutions could not be allowed to be tarnished, particularly through school textbooks.

NCERT apologises, puts textbook on hold

Amid mounting criticism, the National Council of Educational Research and Training earlier apologised for what it termed “inappropriate textual material” and an “error of judgement” in the chapter.

Also Read | CJI Surya Kant objects to NCERT book chapter on corruption in judiciary

The council, which oversees school curricula, said it holds the judiciary in the highest esteem and that the lapse was “purely unintentional.”

NCERT has put the circulation of the textbook on hold and removed it from its website. It said the chapter, which listed corruption, case backlogs and shortage of judges among challenges facing the judicial system, would be rewritten in consultation with appropriate authorities and made available ahead of the 2026–27 academic session.

In addition to ordering the seizure, the court directed NCERT to place on record the details of the Teaching–Learning Materials Committee that approved the impugned chapter. The names, qualifications and credentials of all members involved in developing the chapter have been sought.