Day after SC order, NCERT says textbook withdrawn

The NCERT on Friday said it had withdrawn the textbook 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Social Science Grade 8 (Part-2)' and requested those who are in possession of the textbook to return it to its publication division.

The Supreme Court on February 26 imposed a complete ban on further publication, printing or digital dissemination of the book over a section on “corruption in the judiciary” and said it would like to have a deeper probe into the matter.

Himanshu Gupta, Secretary, NCERT said. “The NCERT requests any individual or organisation, who is in possession of the NCERT textbook 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Social Science Grade 8 Part 2', or any material related to it, may return it to the Head, Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS) or Publication Division, NCERT, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi, at the earliest possible.”

In an advisory, it has also said the controversial section on judiciary posted on social media should also be deleted.

“We also request that any content related to the chapter "Role of judiciary in Our Society" if posted on any of the social media or digital platform may be deleted at the earliest possible. Also, whosoever has purchased this textbook from anywhere is requested to return it to NCERT immediately,” the advisory stated.

Gupta in the order stated any attempt to circumvent the apex court's order through electronic media or alternative titles, containing the same contents will be treated as a direct interference, willful breach and defiance of the directions issued herein above." "It is being reiterated that the NCERT has withdrawn the textbook,” the advisory said.