NCERT's apology, seizure of 38 books: A blow-by-blow timeline of ‘judicial corruption’ chapter

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently faced backlash over a chapter in its textbook titled 'The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society,' which discusses judicial corruption and the significant backlog of cases plaguing the Indian judiciary. The chapter highlights various forms of corruption within the judicial system, prompting the Supreme Court to intervene. Following this, the NCERT issued an apology for the contentious content and subsequently seized 38 books from schools that included the chapter. This move has raised concerns about academic freedom and the implications of censorship in educational materials. Critics argue that such actions could undermine the importance of critical discussions about the judiciary's role in democracy and governance. The controversy has sparked a wider debate on how judicial issues are portrayed in educational resources and the need for transparency within India’s legal system, especially in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the judiciary. As the NCERT navigates this sensitive situation, the implications for educational integrity and the representation of judicial matters in the curriculum remain a focal point of concern for educators and legal experts alike.