SC bans NCERT book over chapter on judiciary corruption, orders copies' seizure, digital takedown
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on class 8 NCERT book carrying a chapter on corruption in the judiciary, and ordered a seizure of all physical copies, along with takedown of its digital forms.
The apex court ordered that the Centre and state authorities comply with its directions immediately, and warned of "serious action" if directions are defied in any form.
The top court issued show cause notices to NCERT director, school education secretary to explain why action should be not taken against those responsible.
ALSO READ: Chapter on 'judicial corruption': NCERT apologises, Class 8 textbook to be rewritten
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant said there seemed to be a calculated move to undermine institution and demean dignity of judiciary.
The bench said such misconduct, having everlasting impact on judiciary, would fall within definition of criminal contempt.
"We would like to have a deeper probe," the bench said.
The court said that if allowed to go unchecked, this will erode people's faith in judiciary. "No one will be allowed to go scot-free."
The CJI said, "It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll."
CJI Surya Kant said there appears to be a deep-rooted, well planned conspiracy to defame the judiciary.
Taking exception to the NCERT's Wednesday communication, the SC said there was not a single word of apology in it, and instead, they have tried to justified it.
At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of Ministry of education.
The bench posted the mater for further hearing on march 11.
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Inside PRAHAAR: India’s New Seven-Layer Strike
India has finally done something it should have done a long time ago. For the first time ever, our country has released an official counter-terrorism policy. It is an eight-page document prepared by India's Home Ministry, and it is called PRAHAAR — which in Hindi means "Strike." But this is not just a powerful name. It is also a smart acronym where every letter stands for a specific layer of action. Together, these seven layers form India's complete plan to fight terrorism — not just today, but for the decades to come.
So let us understand this in simple language. What is PRAHAAR, what does it say, and why does India need it?
What Is PRAHAAR?
PRAHAAR is India's first-ever official counter-terrorism policy. Think of it as a rulebook — a clear, written document that tells every agency, every police force, every NGO, and every state government exactly what their role is when it comes to terrorism. Before this, everyone had their own way of doing things. Now, India has one unified plan.
The document makes two things crystal clear right at the beginning. First, India has zero tolerance for terrorism — no exceptions, no excuses. Second, India does not link terrorism to any religion, nationality, or ethnicity. This is important. It means India separates the Pakistani state — which the document accuses of using terrorism as a tool — from ordinary Pakistani people. India is attacking a policy, not a people. That is a mature and responsible stand.
The Seven Layers
P stands for Prevention. This is about intelligence gathering. Different agencies must share information with each other without delay. Cyber operations are a big part of this because most terror groups today plan attacks over the internet. Catching them online before they act is the first line of defence.
R stands for Response. Local police are the first to reach any attack site. The NSG — National Security Guard — is India's elite counter-terror force, trained for tough operations like hostage rescue. Their role is now formally written into policy.
A stands for Aggregating Capacities. This means giving our security forces the best technology, resources, and training. It also means creating common protocols across all states so that the response to any attack is fast, coordinated, and effective.
H stands for Human Rights and Rule of Law. Even while fighting terrorism, India must follow due process. Remember Ajmal Kasab — the Pakistani terrorist caught during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks? India gave him a fair trial. That was not weakness. That was integrity. This policy wants to preserve that legacy.
A stands for Attenuating Conditions That Lead to Terrorism. This is about fighting radicalization from the roots. NGOs, religious leaders, and community preachers are called upon to identify and guide vulnerable youth. The policy also talks about education, housing, and jobs — because poverty and hopelessness are often what push young people towards dangerous paths.
A stands for Aligning with Global Efforts. India cannot fight terrorism alone. Intelligence sharing, extradition treaties, and working with the United Nations to designate foreign terrorists — all of this is part of the plan. Global problems need global solutions.
R stands for Recovery and Resilience. When a terror attack happens, it does not just kill — it traumatises. Survivors carry that pain for life. This layer focuses on healing — through doctors, psychologists, NGOs, and proper support systems. A society that recovers fast is a society that cannot be broken.
Why Did India Need This Policy?
There are three solid reasons. First, it is a statement of intent. India has suffered tremendously because of terrorism. Hundreds of lives have been lost. Every government has said "zero tolerance" — but now it is written, official, and institutionalised. Words have become policy.
Second, it gives clarity to everyone involved. Police, NSG, NGOs, state governments — everyone now knows their exact role. It is like a guidebook that removes confusion and creates coordination.
Third, and most importantly, it takes a whole-of-society approach. Most of the time, the conversation around terrorism is limited to revenge and retaliation. But this policy goes much further — it asks how we can prevent attacks, how we can remove the root causes, and how we can help those who survive. That is the kind of long-term thinking India has needed for a long time.
As the document itself suggests — PRAHAAR is not just a strike at the branches. It is a strike at the very roots of terrorism. And that makes all the difference.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or position of the publication, its editors, or its management. The publication is not responsible for the accuracy of any information, statements, or opinions presented in this piece.
