Pradhan Promises Accountability in NCERT Row

Centre expresses regret after Supreme Court bans Class 8 textbook

February 26, 2026: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday expressed regret over the controversy surrounding a Class 8 textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), asserting that “accountability will be fixed.” His remarks came after the Supreme Court of India imposed a blanket ban on the book over a chapter titled “corruption in judiciary.” Pradhan said action would be taken against those involved in drafting the content and reiterated that the Centre holds the judiciary in the highest respect, clarifying there was no intent to insult the institution.

The apex court ordered the immediate seizure of all physical copies and directed authorities to remove digital versions of the textbook. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said it expected the government to ensure strict enforcement of the order. During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that two individuals associated with drafting the chapter would no longer be linked to the ministry.

However, the bench termed the government’s initial response “very light” and called for a deeper probe, observing that the issue had affected judicial morale and extended beyond the classroom. The court stressed the need to identify those responsible for the publication and signalled that proceedings would continue to ensure accountability. The development has intensified debate over educational content, institutional integrity and the balance between academic discussion and respect for constitutional bodies.