Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said that “we have utmost respect for judiciary” and action will be taken against those responsible for drafting a controversial chapter on judicial corruption in the Class 8 NCERT textbook. The remarks follow the Supreme Court’s directive to ban the book, seize physical copies and remove its digital versions.Reacting to the apex court’s order, Pradhan said, “Accountability will be fixed, and action will be taken against those involved in drafting the chapter on judicial corruption.” He added, “We have utmost respect for the judiciary, and the court’s directives will be complied with.”The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also expressed support for the judiciary. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra described the issue as “sensitive”.Speaking about the ruling Patra said, “So far as the NCERT issue is concerned, it’s a sensitive matter. I would like to put forth the party’s stand as its spokesperson that there is no other institution, I would say not only in India but in this whole world, that is as independent and as deserving as the Indian judiciary is.” He further highlighted that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that the government stands with the judiciary.The controversy arose after the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, raised objections to the chapter titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society” in the newly introduced Class 8 social science textbook. The top court termed the content on corruption, backlogs and inadequate number of judges as “objectionable” and a possible “well-orchestrated conspiracy to defame the judiciary.” A three-judge bench, including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, took suo motu cognisance of the matter following representations by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi.The apex body also issued a show-cause notice to the NCERT Director and the School Education Secretary, demanding explanations on why action should not be taken against them. CJI Surya Kant stated, “It is my duty to find out who is responsible; heads must roll.” The top court also warned of serious consequences if the directions to enforce the blanket ban on the textbook were ignored.NCERT promptly apologised for the inappropriate content, withdrew the book from its website and halted further distribution. The council stated that the book will be rewritten in consultation with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the apex court’s directions. Out of the 2.25 lakh printed copies, 38 copies had already been sold, which are being retrieved.The chapter had outlined India’s judicial system while referencing corruption, backlogs of cases and insufficient judges. This prompted the apex court to intervene to protect the institution’s integrity and maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
