The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an unconditional public apology, two weeks after the Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on a Class 8 social science textbook over a controversial chapter on the judiciary.
The Supreme Court had earlier ordered the seizure of all physical copies of the book and directed that its digital versions be taken down.
,NCERT’s apology states:
“The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently published a social science textbook ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’ Grade 8 (Part-II), which contained Chapter IV titled ‘The Role of Judiciary in our Society’. The Director and Members of NCERT hereby tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for the said Chapter IV. The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available.”
The controversy erupted after the chapter included a section referring to “corruption in the judiciary.” Media reports on the content prompted strong remarks from Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
“I will not allow anyone on earth to taint the integrity of the institution and defame the institution. At any cost, I will not permit it. Whosoever high it may be, the law will take its course. I know how to deal with it,” the Chief Justice said.
Amid the backlash, NCERT halted distribution of the textbook. Officials later said certain “inappropriate” textual material and an “error of judgement” had inadvertently found their way into the chapter.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on the book, ordered the seizure of all printed copies, and directed that digital versions be removed. Stressing the need for a deeper probe, the court observed that such developments, if left unchecked, could erode public faith in the judiciary.
“No one will be allowed to go scot-free. It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll,” the Chief Justice said.
Earlier, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, offered an unconditional apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education. He informed the court that the two individuals responsible for referring to “corruption in the judiciary” would “never work with the UGC or any ministry”.
The Chief Justice, however, remained unimpressed. “That is of very little consequence. They fired a gunshot, and the judiciary is bleeding today,” he said.
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