Last Updated:
NCERT has asked schools and the public to return the Class 8 Social Science book after the Supreme Court banned its publication.
NCERT withdraws Class 8 Social Science textbook after Supreme Court order.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has asked individuals, schools and organisations to return copies of its Class 8 Social Science textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Part 2 after a Supreme Court order barred its publication and circulation.
In a media advisory issued by Secretary Himanshu Gupta, the council requested that anyone possessing the book or related material submit it to the Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS) or the Publication Division at NCERT headquarters in New Delhi. It also asked that any material from the chapter “Role of judiciary in Our Society” shared on social media or other digital platforms be removed immediately. Those who purchased the book have also been asked to return it to NCERT.
NCERT cited the top court’s order dated February 26, 2026, stating that “a complete blanket ban is hereby imposed on any further publication re: printing or digital dissemination of the book titled ‘Exploring Society, India and Beyond’. Any attempt to circumvent this order through electronic media or alternative titles, containing the same contents, shall be treated as a direct interference, willful breach and defiance of the directions issued herein above.” The council reiterated that the textbook has been withdrawn.
The move follows a strongly worded order passed on Thursday by a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The court directed that all copies of the book, whether in retail outlets or NCERT stock godowns, be recovered and that digital versions be removed from all platforms. The Union government was also asked to ensure that schools and teachers do not use the book.
The textbook in question is NCERT’s Class 8 Social Science book Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II. In Chapter 4, “The Role of Judiciary in Our Society”, a sub-section titled “Corruption in the Judiciary” was flagged before the court by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and AM Singhvi. The bench initiated a suo motu case on Wednesday and heard the matter the next day.
Expressing displeasure, the Chief Justice remarked: “I will not allow anyone on the earth to taint the integrity and defame the entire institution,” and described the development as a “calculated measure”.
ALSO READ: SBI Clerk Mains Result 2025 Out At sbi.bank.in; Here’s How To Check
After the court’s intervention, NCERT apologised and withdrew the book from circulation and blocked its digital version on its website. “The aforesaid error is purely unintentional and NCERT regrets the inclusion of inappropriate material in the said chapter,” the council said earlier.
In Friday’s advisory, NCERT again referred to paragraph 20 of the court’s order to underline the legal consequences of violating the ban.
February 27, 2026, 19:01 IST
Read More
