I will not allow anyone to defame the Institution: CJI reacts to chapter on Judiciary in NCERT book

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of content related to corruption in the judiciary mentioned in a Class 8 NCERT textbook, calling it a matter of “serious concern.” The top court made it clear that any attempt to tarnish the image of the judiciary will not be tolerated.

During the hearing on Wednesday, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi raised the issue before the court. They stated that teaching young students about corruption in the judiciary could create a negative perception about institutions. They expressed concern that such topics at an early academic stage may influence students in the wrong manner.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said he was fully aware of the matter and that several judges were also disturbed by the textbook content. He informed the court that he had already passed an order taking suo motu cognizance of the issue. The CJI said, “I will not allow anyone to defame the institution. Law will take its course.”

He further stated in strong terms that no individual, regardless of position, would be permitted to harm the image of the judiciary. Appropriate action will be taken in the matter. As the head of the institution, he said he had performed his duty by taking cognizance and added that the step appeared to be deliberate, but he would not comment further. Justice Bagchi observed that the content seemed to be against the basic structure of the Constitution.

The CJI requested patience and said that both the Bar and the Bench, including High Court judges, were concerned. He assured that he would personally examine the matter. Later, Justice Kant reiterated that the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance.

According to the new Social Science NCERT textbook for Class 8, corruption, heavy case backlog, and shortage of judges are listed as “challenges” faced by the judicial system. The section titled “Corruption in the Judiciary” mentions that judges are bound by a code of conduct that governs their behavior both inside and outside the court.