Textbook Revision – NCERT to Rewrite Class 8 Judiciary Chapter After Concerns
Textbook Revision – The National Council of Educational Research and Training has decided to revise a chapter in its Class 8 Social Science textbook after concerns were raised about certain sections related to the judiciary. The move follows directions from the Ministry of Education to temporarily halt the circulation of the book until further notice.
Distribution Paused After Ministry’s Directive
In a statement issued late Wednesday night, NCERT confirmed that the distribution of the textbook has been suspended in compliance with instructions from the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education. The decision came after detailed internal discussions at the council’s headquarters.
Officials stated that portions of Chapter 4, titled “The Role of Judiciary in Our Society,” contained material that was considered inappropriate. The council acknowledged that certain passages and judgments in the text required correction and assured that the matter would be addressed promptly.
Chapter Triggered Debate Within Legal Circles
The revised textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Volume II, was released earlier this week. Soon after its publication, a section discussing issues related to judicial accountability drew criticism from members of the legal fraternity. The segment included references to complaints filed against members of the judiciary and highlighted mechanisms meant to ensure accountability.
The chapter discussed the code of conduct that governs judges both inside and outside the courtroom. It referred to principles that emphasize fairness, impartiality, and integrity in judicial behavior. It also mentioned that judges are expected to avoid actions that could undermine public trust in the institution.
Reference to Complaints and Accountability Mechanisms
One portion of the chapter cited data indicating that more than 1,600 complaints related to the judiciary were received between 2017 and 2021 through the Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System. The text explained that there are established procedures for reviewing such complaints and that internal mechanisms exist to ensure adherence to judicial standards.
Additionally, the chapter outlined constitutional provisions under which Parliament can initiate impeachment proceedings in cases involving serious allegations against a judge.
The inclusion of this material sparked debate, with some critics expressing concern about how the subject was presented to middle school students.
NCERT Expresses Regret, Promises Review
Responding to the controversy, NCERT clarified that there was no intention to undermine or question the authority of any constitutional body. The council emphasized that its broader goal in designing new textbooks is to strengthen constitutional literacy, promote institutional respect, and encourage informed democratic participation among students.
The statement described the inclusion of certain content as an unintentional error of judgment. NCERT reiterated that it holds the judiciary in the highest regard, recognizing its role as the guardian of the Constitution and the protector of Fundamental Rights.
As part of its standard review process, the council said it remains open to constructive feedback from stakeholders. The chapter will now be rewritten in consultation with appropriate authorities and will be made available before the commencement of the upcoming academic session.
Broader Context of Judicial Workload
The chapter also provided data on the volume of pending cases across courts in India. It noted that tens of thousands of cases remain pending before the Supreme Court, while millions are awaiting resolution in High Courts and district courts. The data was presented to help students understand the scale and functioning of the judicial system.
While the intent, according to NCERT, was educational in nature, the presentation of certain details prompted calls for a review. With distribution currently on hold, schools are awaiting further guidance regarding the updated edition.
Education authorities have indicated that once the revisions are complete and approved, the corrected textbook will be supplied to schools in time for classroom use.