New Delhi: Acting on directions from the Supreme Court of India, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has ordered the immediate withdrawal and return of its recently published Class 8 Social Science textbook that sparked controversy over references to “judicial corruption”.
In an official advisory, NCERT said the textbook—Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Social Science, Grade 8, Part 2)—has been withdrawn from circulation following the apex court’s directive. The court had sharply criticised the inclusion of a chapter titled “Role of Judiciary in Our Society”, observing that the content prima facie amounted to criminal contempt and undermined the authority of the judiciary.
Immediate Recall Ordered
NCERT has urged all individuals, schools, institutions, distributors and organisations currently in possession of the textbook to return all copies without delay. The recalled books may be submitted either to the Head, Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS), or to the Publication Division at NCERT’s headquarters on Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi.
The council has also instructed that any extracts, images or content from the withdrawn chapter shared on social media or other digital platforms must be removed immediately. Buyers who procured the book through any source have been asked to return it to NCERT at the earliest.
Blanket Ban on Publication and Circulation
Citing paragraph 20 of the Supreme Court’s order dated February 26, 2026, NCERT clarified that a complete ban has been imposed on further publication, printing or digital dissemination of the textbook in any form. The advisory warned that attempts to circulate the content electronically, republish it under alternate titles, or distribute it in modified formats would be treated as wilful disobedience of the court’s directions.
corruption”.
In an official advisory, NCERT said the textbook—Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Social Science, Grade 8, Part 2)—has been withdrawn from circulation following the apex court’s directive. The court had sharply criticised the inclusion of a chapter titled “Role of Judiciary in Our Society”, observing that the content prima facie amounted to criminal contempt and undermined the authority of the judiciary.
Immediate Recall Ordered
NCERT has urged all individuals, schools, institutions, distributors and organisations currently in possession of the textbook to return all copies without delay. The recalled books may be submitted either to the Head, Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS), or to the Publication Division at NCERT’s headquarters on Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi.
The council has also instructed that any extracts, images or content from the withdrawn chapter shared on social media or other digital platforms must be removed immediately. Buyers who procured the book through any source have been asked to return it to NCERT at the earliest.
Blanket Ban on Publication and Circulation
Citing paragraph 20 of the Supreme Court’s order dated February 26, 2026, NCERT clarified that a complete ban has been imposed on further publication, printing or digital dissemination of the textbook in any form. The advisory warned that attempts to circulate the content electronically, republish it under alternate titles, or distribute it in modified formats would be treated as wilful disobedience of the court’s directions.
Reiterating its position, NCERT said it is fully complying with the Supreme Court’s order and has initiated steps to ensure the complete removal of both physical and digital copies of the book from circulation.
Court’s Observations
On Thursday, the Supreme Court directed the immediate withdrawal of the textbook, stating that the inclusion of the contentious references warranted serious scrutiny. The court also instructed NCERT and state education authorities to submit compliance reports within two weeks, detailing the steps taken to recall and eliminate the book from use in schools and other platforms.
The development has triggered a broader debate on textbook vetting processes and institutional accountability, with the court underscoring the need for greater care and responsibility in the preparation and approval of school education material.
