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National Council of Educational Research and Training, NCERT today pulled down its Class 8 Social Science Textbook following a blanket ban imposed by the Supreme Court of India. The apex court has instructed the Council to immediately stop the circulation of the book after concerns were raised over the contents of a chapter. The decision comes following the row over a chapter - “The Role of the Judiciary in our Society” in NCERT’s Class 8 Social Science book.
The book has been removed from its digital repository and an immediate stop has been imposed on the sale and re-printing of all physical copies of the book. It further mentioned that sharing in any form will be a matter of serious non-compliance.
The apex court has asked the Director of NCERT to provide the names and credentials of the officials involved in making of the chapter. The original minutes of meetings where the chapter was discussed and approved shall also be presented at the next hearing.
The bench headed by Chief Justice of India, CJI Surya Kant noted that the content was malicious and hampers the faith of the people in the judiciary. He further pointed out that the matter cannot be allowed to go unchecked and could be considered criminal contempt.
Calling the error 'purely unintentional’, the council has acknowledged the issue raised over the addition and declared the alteration of the textual material. The council has announced the revision of the contents of the book over the row.
The latest press release by the NCERT reads, “Hence, the chapter shall be re-written, with consultation of the appropriate authority, as necessary, and would be made available to students of Class 8 accordingly on the commencement of the academic session 2026-27.“
It further adds, “NCERT reiterates that the objective of the new textbooks is to strengthen constitutional literacy, institutional respect, and informed understanding of democratic participation amongst students. There is no intent to question or diminish the authority of any constitutional body.”

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