THE BENCH VS. THE BOOK: A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS IN THE CLASSROOM
The Supreme Court of India initiated suo motu contempt proceedings over the newly revised curriculum.
Executive Summary
The Supreme Court NCERT controversy represents an unprecedented clash of authority where the apex court banned a Class 8 textbook. Citing a “calculated conspiracy” to defame the judiciary, the Bench triggered a national debate on academic freedom versus institutional reputation.
1. The Spark: Radical Shifts in the NCERT Pedagogy
The controversy stems from the NCERT’s newly revised textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Vol II). Traditionally, civic education in India has focused on the formal structure of the courts—the hierarchy from District Courts to the Supreme Court and the power of Judicial Review. However, the 2026 edition of Chapter 4, “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society,” departed significantly from this descriptive approach, fueling the Supreme Court NCERT controversy.
The Disputed Content
The textbook introduced a critique that the Court found both selective and damaging:
- • Direct Allegations: The text stated that “people do experience corruption at various levels,” framing it as a barrier to justice.
- • Selective Transparency: The chapter highlighted judicial backlogs but remained silent on inefficiencies in the executive or legislative branches.
- • Statistical Portrayal: It presented staggering figures—over 47 million pending cases—without explaining judge-to-population ratios.
2. The Court’s Fury: Protecting Constitutional Integrity
The matter was brought to the CJI’s attention by a battery of senior advocates, including Kapil Sibal and Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who argued that the text undermined the “Basic Structure” of the Constitution of India. The three-judge bench, comprising CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, reacted with visible indignation.
Judicial Observations on the Record
“This is a calculated move to defame the institution. Who are these people who have written this? I will not allow anyone on earth to taint the integrity of this institution.” — CJI Surya Kant
3. Suo Motu Contempt and the Blanket Ban
As a direct result of the Supreme Court NCERT controversy, the Court initiated suo motu contempt proceedings titled In Re: Social Science Textbook for Grade-8 (Part 2). On February 26, the bench passed a series of stringent orders:
| Order Type | Action Mandated |
|---|---|
| Immediate Ban | Total prohibition on reprinting, sale, and digital dissemination. |
| Inventory Seizure | Withdrawal of physical copies from all schools nationwide. |
4. The Advocate’s Perspective: Accountability vs. Pedagogy
From a legal standpoint, this case raises profound questions about the Separation of Powers. While academic freedom is vital, the Supreme Court of India intervention highlights the “Right to Reputation” of an institution that cannot defend itself in the public square. This case follows a pattern of legal shifts similar to the 2026 verdict on Trademark Bullying, where the courts stepped in to prevent the misuse of influence.
5. Conclusion: Restoring the Balance
The fallout has been swift. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional apology, and the NCERT confirmed the textbook will be entirely rewritten. This Supreme Court NCERT controversy serves as a landmark moment, reaffirming that while no institution is above criticism, narratives presented to the youth must be balanced and constructive.
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