NCERT Class 8 Textbook on Judiciary Corruption Sparks CJI Objection

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a revised Social Science textbook for Class 8 that includes new sections addressing 'corruption in the judiciary' and the 'massive backlog' of cases as significant challenges facing India's judicial system. This marks a notable departure from previous editions, which primarily focused on the structural hierarchy and independent role of courts without delving into internal systemic issues. The updated material is part of a chapter titled 'The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society', aiming to provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of the pressures on the Indian justice system. The textbook explicitly lists 'corruption at various levels of the judiciary' and a 'massive backlog…on account of multiple reasons, such as a lack of an adequate number of judges, complicated legal procedures, and poor infrastructure' as core challenges. To illustrate the scale of case pendency, the book provides approximate statistics: around 81,000 pending cases in the Supreme Court, approximately 6.24 million in various High Courts, and nearly 47 million cases in the district and subordinate courts. This move is seen as an effort to quantify judicial delays for students, moving beyond the general principle of 'justice delayed is justice denied' mentioned in earlier versions. The section on corruption within the judiciary provides a detailed look at how the system attempts to maintain integrity and accountability. It informs students that judges are bound by a specific code of conduct that regulates their professional behaviour both inside and outside the courtroom, emphasizing fairness and impartiality. The textbook also outlines established internal accountability mechanisms and the formal procedure for citizens to lodge complaints through the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). It highlights that over 1,600 such complaints were received between 2017 and 2021. Furthermore, the book explains the high-level constitutional provisions for the removal of judges in the event of serious misconduct, stating that Parliament has the authority to intervene and remove an individual by passing a motion of impeachment after a proper inquiry. However, the inclusion of these topics has drawn significant attention, particularly from the highest echelons of the judiciary. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant reportedly took serious exception to the content, stating he 'will not allow anyone to defame the institution' and indicated he knew 'how to deal with it'. These remarks were made after senior advocates A.M. Singhvi and Kapil Sibal raised the issue during mentioning hours. The CJI's strong reaction underscores the sensitivity surrounding discussions of judicial integrity, particularly within an educational curriculum for young students. The Live Law article further indicates that the CJI mentioned passing an order taking a suo motu case on the issue. The NCERT Director D.P. Saklani did not respond to requests for comment on the new section or the delay in releasing the textbook, as the academic session was nearing its end. The textbook's release is part of a broader curriculum update aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. While some previous NCERT textbooks on the judiciary focused on its role, independence, and structure, this new edition significantly expands the scope to include contemporary challenges, reflecting a broader effort to integrate civic awareness into the curriculum. The discussion also includes quotes from former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai on the impact of corruption on public confidence and the need for transparent action. The immediate aftermath of the textbook's release also saw it being withdrawn from sale at NCERT's office on Tuesday, the day after its release, indicating the 'storm' created by the chapter. This incident highlights the ongoing debate about transparency, accountability, and the public perception of the judiciary in India, now extending into foundational educational materials.

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