NEW DELHI — In a landmark and swift intervention, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday, February 26, 2026, imposed an immediate blanket ban on a Class 8 NCERT textbook featuring a chapter on corruption within the judiciary. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant ordered the immediate seizure of all physical copies of the book and the removal of its digital versions from all platforms, citing a “deep-rooted and well-planned conspiracy” to defame the judicial institution.
The apex court expressed grave concern over the content, describing it as a calculated attempt to demean the dignity of the judiciary and erode public faith. CJI Surya Kant warned that such misconduct falls under the definition of criminal contempt and possesses the potential for an everlasting negative impact on the institution. “It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll,” the CJI remarked, emphasizing that no one involved in the publication of this material would be allowed to go scot-free.
In addition to the ban, the court issued show-cause notices to the Director of NCERT and the Secretary of School Education, demanding a formal explanation as to why disciplinary action should not be initiated against those responsible. The Bench took particular exception to a communication from NCERT sent on Wednesday, noting a distinct lack of apology and an attempt to justify the inclusion of the controversial chapter. While Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education at the start of the proceedings, the court insisted on a “deeper probe” into the matter.
The Supreme Court has directed all Centre and State authorities to comply with the seizure and takedown orders immediately, warning of “serious action” in the event of any defiance. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on March 11, 2026, as the court seeks to identify the specific individuals behind the chapter’s inclusion. This move highlights a zero-tolerance approach by the highest court toward any curriculum deemed to undermine the foundational integrity of the Indian legal system.
