The Oudh Bar Association of the High Court, Lucknow, has mounted a fierce challenge against the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for introducing a section titled “Judiciary Corruption” in the new social science curriculum for Class 8. Following the formal objection, the Supreme Court of India stepped in to impose a complete ban on the book, aligning with the legal fraternity’s deep concerns over the systematic “tarnishing of the judiciary’s image.”
Oudh Bar’s Representations to NCERT and Central Government
In formal letters dated February 25, 2026, addressed to the Director of NCERT and the Union Minister of Human Resource Development, the Oudh Bar Association—a prestigious 125-year-old institution established in 1901—expressed “grave concern” and “strong condemnation” of the new curriculum.
The association, led by President P. S. Chandra and General Secretary Lalit Kishore Tiwari, argued that the publication was made “without due thought and in a highly irresponsible manner.”
Key Arguments by the Oudh Bar Association:
- Breach of Public Trust: The Bar emphasized that the judiciary is the “ultimate hope” for those who are oppressed or seeking justice. By labeling a chapter “Judiciary Corruption,” the NCERT is allegedly attacking the “unwavering faith” that the common citizen holds in the legal system.
- Impact on Students and Society: The association pointed out that teaching such content to impressionable eighth-grade students would weaken their belief in law and order. They warned that this erosion of trust would lead to an increase in societal crime, as the image of the judiciary as the guardian of the Constitution would be severely diminished.
- Historical and Constitutional Role: The letters reminded the authorities that the Indian Judiciary is among the most “excellent” in the world, playing a critical role in establishing legal and constitutional order. They stated that the Hon’ble Supreme Court and Hon’ble High Courts are the “primary protectors of the Constitution.”
- Demand for Immediate Action: The Bar demanded an immediate removal of the chapter from all textbooks, a ban on its sale, and a “digital cleanup” to remove the content from websites and social media platforms.
Supreme Court’s Decisive Intervention
Catalyzed by the mounting public and legal outrage, the Supreme Court of India took forceful suo motu cognizance of the matter, describing the publication as a “calculated conspiracy” to dismantle the dignity of the judicial institution. According to Law Trend, the no.1 legal news portal in India, a Bench presided over by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, delivered a scathing indictment of the NCERT’s “reckless and motivated” conduct.
Key Judicial Observations & Orders:
- “The Institution is Bleeding”: In a moment of high judicial drama, CJI Surya Kant remarked, “They have fired a gunshot. The judiciary is bleeding,” adding that it was the Court’s duty to ensure “heads must roll” for such a grave affront.
- Blanket Ban: Terming the content “offending” and “reckless,” the Court imposed an immediate and absolute blanket ban on any further publication, reprinting, or digital dissemination of the textbook titled ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond’ (Vol II).
- Seizure of Copies: The Court issued a stern directive for the immediate seizure of all physical and digital copies in circulation, warning that any attempt to circumvent the order through alternative titles would be treated as wilful defiance.
- Accountability: Show-cause notices were issued to the NCERT Director and the Secretary of the Department of School Education to explain why they should not be held in criminal contempt for undermining the institutional authority of the judiciary.
