India Textbook Judicial Corruption Controversy

The India — Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, took suo motu cognisance of a Class 8 social science textbook published by the India — National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) that included a section on 'corruption in the judiciary.' Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi brought the issue to the court's attention, arguing that the textbook selectively highlighted judicial corruption while ignoring other sectors. CJI Surya Kant expressed grave concern, calling it a 'calculated and deep-rooted attempt' to defame the institution and vowed to protect the judiciary's integrity. Justice Joymalya Bagchi also noted that the content affected constitutional integrity. In response to the controversy, the India — National Council of Educational Research and Training pulled the textbook from sale and is reviewing the chapter. Government sources indicated that the Law Ministry was not consulted for cross-verification of facts, and a quote from former Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai was allegedly taken out of context.