Centre orders probe into NCERT textbook row; 'No intent to insult judiciary,' says Dharmendra Pradhan

New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday, February 26, expressed deep regret over the inclusion of a controversial chapter on judicial corruption in an NCERT Class 8 textbook, asserting that an inquiry will be conducted and "heads will roll." The minister’s statement comes shortly after the Supreme Court imposed a "complete blanket ban" on the publication and dissemination of the book, titled ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’ (Vol II).

Speaking to reporters in Jamshedpur, Pradhan assured that the government had no intention to disrespect or insult the judiciary. "I am deeply saddened by what has happened. We respect the judiciary, and whatever the court has said, we will fully comply with it," he said. He added that he has already directed the NCERT to take corrective steps to ensure such a "mistake" does not recur.

The controversy centers on a section titled ‘Corruption in the Judiciary’ within the chapter ‘The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society.’ The text highlighted challenges such as a massive backlog of cases and alleged misconduct, even quoting former Chief Justice B R Gavai from July 2025 regarding public confidence in the legal system.

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, took a stern view of the content, describing it as a "calculated move" to undermine the dignity of the institution. "They have fired a gunshot. The judiciary is bleeding," the CJI remarked during the hearing. The apex court has issued contempt notices to the Secretary of School Education and the NCERT Director.

Read here: SC bans NCERT class 8 book over chapter on corruption in judiciary, says gunshot fired to bleed institution

Political reactions followed swiftly. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra emphasized the party’s respect for the judiciary, calling it one of the most independent institutions in the world. "We take pride in the impartial functioning of the Indian judiciary and stand with it," Patra said at the BJP headquarters.

Meanwhile, the opposition launched a scathing attack on the curriculum-setting body. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh backed the Supreme Court's objection, claiming the rewriting of textbooks over the last decade has been a "disgraceful" exercise driven by "mischief and malice." In a post on X, Ramesh alleged the process was an RSS-driven racket that requires a thorough investigation.

The NCERT has since tendered an unconditional apology for the "inappropriate material" and has withdrawn the textbook from its website. The council stated that the chapter would be rewritten in consultation with appropriate authorities.

Read here: Chapter on 'judicial corruption': NCERT apologises, Class 8 textbook to be rewritten

(with inputs from PTI)