PM Modi slams NCERT chapter on judiciary as Supreme Court orders ban

New Delhi: Serious debate has erupted within the central government over the mention of alleged corruption in the judiciary in a Class 8 textbook. According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong displeasure over the issue at Tuesday's Union Cabinet meeting.

What did PM Modi say?

The relevant chapter is part of an NCERT textbook. During Tuesday's high-level Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister raised the issue and posed sharp questions to the relevant officials. Sources say the Prime Minister expressed surprise and dissatisfaction that children of such a young age are being exposed to such sensitive and negative topics.

According to sources, the Prime Minister clearly expressed his objection during the meeting, saying, "What are we teaching young children of Class 8 about judicial corruption? Is it appropriate for their age and understanding?"

Although no official statement has been issued on this matter yet, the issue raised in the Cabinet meeting has sparked a new debate regarding education policy and curriculum.

Discussion is now raging in political and academic circles about whether separate guidelines will be established for the inclusion of sensitive topics in the school curriculum. Currently, all eyes are on the government's next course of action.

What did Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan say?

Regarding this matter, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that he regretted what happened and that there was no intention to insult the judiciary. He assured that those involved in drafting the chapter would be held accountable and necessary action would be taken. Dharmendra Pradhan also stated that the government holds the judiciary in the highest regard and will fully comply with the court's directives.

What action did Supreme Court take?

Taking a firm stance on this issue, the Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a complete ban on the publication, reprinting, and digital circulation of the NCERT Class 8 social science book, 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond' (Volume II). The court stated that the book's content related to corruption in the judiciary was objectionable and undermined the dignity of the institution.

A bench headed by Chief Justice (CJI) Surya Kant, comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, took suo motu cognizance of the matter and made strong remarks. The court said that this appears to be a deliberate and deliberate move to lower the dignity of the institution and defame it.

During the hearing, the CJI said, "They (NCERT) have fired a shot, and the judiciary is bleeding. As the head of the institution, it is my duty to find out who is responsible for this; strict action must be taken against those responsible."