'Book withdrawn': NCERT apologises for controversial judiciary chapter after Supreme Court ban

The council withdrew the book two weeks after the Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on its reprinting and online circulation.

In an official statement posted on X, NCERT said: “The Director and Members of NCERT hereby tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for Chapter IV. The entire book has been withdrawn and is not available.

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate the understanding of all stakeholders. NCERT remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, sensitivity, and responsibility in educational content.”

The top court had expressed dissatisfaction with NCERT’s initial response, noting the absence of a clear apology. The ban followed a suo motu case concerning the chapter titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society.”

During the hearing, the bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant sought accountability from both the central government and NCERT, warning that the matter would not be closed until those responsible were identified.

The court also directed authorities to seize all existing copies of the textbook and issued notices to the Centre and NCERT Chairman Professor Dinesh Prasad Saklani.

The Chief Justice remarked sharply on the seriousness of the issue, stating it affected the credibility and integrity of the judiciary, and stressed that “…heads must roll! We won’t close the case.”

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing NCERT, faced strong observations from the bench regarding the circumstances that led to the inclusion of the controversial content.