NCERT apologises for controversial judiciary chapter for Class 8, withdraws book

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has issued an apology and withdrawn a controversial chapter from its Class 8 Social Science textbook that addressed the challenges faced by the Indian judiciary. The chapter linked these challenges to issues such as corruption and an extensive backlog of cases, which sparked significant criticism from various quarters. Critics argued that the portrayal of the judiciary could undermine public trust in the legal system. In response to the backlash, NCERT has acknowledged the sensitivity of the topic and the need for a more balanced presentation. The council emphasized its commitment to providing quality educational materials that accurately reflect the complexities of the Indian judicial system. This incident highlights the ongoing debates surrounding educational content and the importance of addressing complex socio-legal issues in a manner that fosters understanding rather than criticism. With the withdrawal of the textbook chapter, NCERT aims to reassess its educational resources to ensure they align with constructive discourse on India's legal framework.