NCERT’s New Class 8 Social Science Book Introduces Section on Judicial Corruption and Systemic Challenges
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Monday unveiled the revised Social Science textbook for Class 8, which now features a dedicated discussion on “corruption in the judiciary” within a chapter examining the role of courts in society.
Unlike the earlier edition, which focused primarily on the structure of the judicial system, the concept of judicial independence, and citizens’ access to courts, the updated volume addresses concerns such as alleged corruption at different tiers of the judiciary and the mounting backlog of pending cases.
Highlighting Challenges Within the Judicial System
The new chapter outlines key issues confronting India’s judicial framework, including delays caused by an insufficient number of judges, complex procedural requirements, and infrastructural shortcomings.
It provides updated figures on pending litigation: approximately 81,000 cases in the Supreme Court, around 62.4 lakh in High Courts, and nearly 4.7 crore in district and subordinate courts.
The previous textbook had referred only to delays in justice delivery, noting that prolonged hearings often affect ordinary citizens.
It had cited the well-known phrase “justice delayed is justice denied” to underscore the problem of extended timelines in court proceedings, but did not address corruption or accountability mechanisms.
Accountability and Oversight Mechanisms Explained
The revised section explains that judges are governed by a formal code of conduct that regulates both their professional responsibilities and personal conduct.
It also describes internal accountability systems, including procedures for filing grievances through the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).
Between 2017 and 2021, more than 1,600 complaints were reportedly registered under this mechanism.
In instances involving grave allegations, the book notes that Parliament has the authority to initiate impeachment proceedings against a judge.
Such action, it explains, follows a thorough inquiry during which the concerned judge is provided an opportunity to respond.
At the same time, the text acknowledges that corruption is perceived at certain levels of the judicial structure, and that this can further restrict access to justice for economically weaker and marginalised communities.
It adds that both state and central governments are pursuing measures to enhance transparency, strengthen public confidence, and deploy technology to reduce irregularities and improve efficiency.
Reference to Former Chief Justice’s Remarks
The chapter cites observations made in July 2025 by former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, who acknowledged instances of misconduct within the judiciary.
He noted that such episodes could undermine public trust but emphasised that prompt, transparent corrective action is essential to restoring credibility.
According to the book, he stressed that maintaining faith in the judiciary is vital for its constitutional role as the protector of citizens’ rights.
Case Studies for Classroom Discussion
Following a segment on the importance of an independent judiciary, students are encouraged to examine two case studies — one involving electoral bonds and another concerning provisions under the Information Technology Act.
The book explains that the electoral bond scheme, introduced in 2018 to facilitate political funding through anonymous donations, was later invalidated by the Supreme Court because citizens have a right to know the sources of party funding.
It also discusses a 2015 ruling in which the Supreme Court struck down a provision added to the Information Technology Act, 2009.
The clause had permitted imprisonment for certain online or social media posts.
A law student challenged the provision, arguing that it curtailed freedom of speech.
The Court agreed and declared it unconstitutional, instructing the government to remove it.
Students are asked to analyse the Court’s role in these cases and reflect on the reasoning behind its decisions.
Part of Broader Curriculum Reform
The updated textbook is part of NCERT’s ongoing revision of school materials in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for School Education.
New editions for Classes 1 through 8 have already been introduced, with the first segment of the Class 8 Social Science text released in July last year.
The earlier set of textbooks, prepared under the 2005 NCF, had undergone content reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic to ease academic pressure on students.
NCERT Director D P Saklani did not respond to queries regarding the addition of the new section or the timing of the book’s release, which comes close to the conclusion of the academic session.
