NCERT’s new Class 9 textbook describes judiciary as ‘independent’, after Class 8 chapter was withdrawn

NEW DELHI: Months after the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) withdrew its Class 8 Social Science textbook following objections over a chapter on judicial corruption, the council’s newly introduced Class 9 Political Science textbook presents the judiciary as an “impartial and independent institution” that safeguards citizens’ rights and upholds the Constitution.

The revised textbook, introduced under the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), explains the doctrine of separation of powers and says the judiciary functions independently of the legislature and the executive. “The judiciary is an impartial and independent institution that safeguards the rights of citizens and upholds the spirit of the Constitution.”

The book further reads, “The judiciary reviews executive actions and constitutional amendments, can invalidate laws that violate the Constitution, and upholds the Constitution”. “The judiciary plays a vital role in protecting and promoting democratic values and the rights of all sections of society. The judiciary takes up Public Interest Litigations (PILs) from time to time to ensure access to justice for all,” the book added.

It states that courts have the authority to review executive actions and constitutional amendments, strike down unconstitutional laws, and entertain Public Interest Litigation (PILs) to ensure access to justice. The chapter also describes the judiciary as a key constitutional institution responsible for protecting fundamental rights and preserving democratic values.

The latest description comes against the backdrop of a controversy earlier this year over an NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook that contained a section discussing challenges facing the judiciary, including corruption, case backlogs and declining public confidence. Acting on its own, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the contents, termed parts of the chapter objectionable and directed that the textbook’s publication, reprinting and digital circulation be stopped.

Following the court’s intervention, NCERT withdrew both physical and digital copies of the Class 8 textbook and issued an unconditional apology. The Supreme Court had observed that the chapter contained “offending” material relating to the judiciary.

The NCERT has maintained that the Class 9 textbook forms part of a redesigned curriculum under the NCF, with constitutional themes now spread across different grades instead of being covered in a single textbook. The council has also said that concepts such as justice, liberty, secularism and socialism are introduced progressively across classes and continue to remain part of the curriculum. (ANI)