New Delhi: The Supreme Court has raised strong objections to certain portions of the new Class 8 Social Science textbook published by NCERT. The controversy centers on the chapter discussing “Corruption in the Judiciary.” Senior advocate Kapil Sibal brought the matter before a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, prompting the Court to take suo motu cognizance.
What CJI Surya Kant Said on ‘Corruption in Judiciary’
According to a report by Bar & Bench, Kapil Sibal expressed concern before the bench, stating that NCERT was teaching Class 8 students about corruption in the judiciary—a situation he described as highly worrying. Responding, CJI Surya Kant said, “Please wait for a few days. Both the Bar and the Bench are concerned. All High Court judges are anxious. I will take suo motu cognizance of the issue. I will not allow any institution to be defamed. The law will take its course.”
The CJI further emphasized that the matter was already on his radar, adding, “As the head of the institution, I have discharged my duty and have taken cognizance. This seems to be a well-considered step. I will not comment further.”
Constitutional Concerns Raised
Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the chapter appears to challenge the basic structure of the Constitution. As per The Indian Express, the textbook’s chapter titled “The Role of Judiciary in Our Society” includes a section on “Corruption in the Judiciary.”
Other Judicial Challenges Covered in Class 8 Textbook
The textbook also discusses broader challenges faced by the judiciary, such as corruption at various levels, case backlogs due to a shortage of judges, complex legal procedures, and inadequate infrastructure.
Selective Focus Questioned
Senior advocate and Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi criticized NCERT for selective emphasis, remarking, “Selectivity, My Lord, selectivity… There are issues in many other areas, but corruption is highlighted only in the judiciary!”
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