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Digital Desk, New Delhi. A section related to 'Corruption in Judiciary' was added in the new NCERT Social Science book of Class 8, which will now be removed. Top government sources said on Wednesday that it was not appropriate to include such material in the book and inspirational things should have been written for children.
According to sources, it was also not right to quote the statement of former Chief Justice BR Gavai in the book. It was also reported that the present Chief Justice has expressed displeasure over this. This matter became more serious when the Supreme Court expressed serious concern on this subject. The court said that the members of the judiciary, especially the High Court judges, are hurt and worried by this reference.
Chief Justice Surya Kant said that he will not allow anyone to defame the judiciary and suo motu cognizance can be taken in this matter. He said that the law will take its course.
The issue arose when senior advocate Kapil Sibal told the court that Class 8 students were being taught about corruption in the judiciary, which was a matter of concern. He also asked why corruption in other institutions is not mentioned in the book.
Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi also raised questions on the selective attitude. Justice Joymala Bagchi remarked that the contents of the book appeared to be against the principle of the basic structure of the Constitution.
What was written in the book?
The challenges of the judicial system were mentioned in the chapter 'Role of Judiciary in our Society' of the new NCERT Class 8 Social Science book. In this, about 81000 pending cases were mentioned in the Supreme Court, about 62 lakh 40 thousand in the High Court and about 4 crore 70 lakh pending cases in the district and subordinate courts.
It was written in the book that judges are bound by the code of conduct and a system like CPGRAMS exists for complaints. Besides, there was also mention of efforts for improvement through transparency and technology.
It also quoted former Chief Justice BR Gavai's July 2025 statement, in which he had said that incidents of corruption and misconduct affect public trust, but trust can be rebuilt with transparent and prompt action.
At present, the government has indicated that this part will be removed from the book. The Supreme Court has also made it clear that there will be no compromise with the dignity and prestige of the judiciary.
What is written on Judiciary in NCERT's Class 8 book that has sparked controversy?
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