New Delhi, February 26 The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a complete ban on the Class 8 NCERT textbook that contains a chapter on corruption in the judiciary, and ordered the seizure of all physical copies, as well as the removal of its digital versions.
The apex court ordered that the Centre and state authorities must immediately comply with its directions, and warned of "serious action" if they are defied in any way.
The top court issued show cause notices to the NCERT director and the Secretary of School Education, asking them to explain why action should not be taken against those responsible.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant said that there appeared to be a calculated attempt to undermine the institution and demean the dignity of the judiciary.
The bench said that such misconduct, which has a lasting impact on the judiciary, would fall under the definition of criminal contempt.
"We would like to conduct a thorough investigation," the bench said.
The court stated that if this is allowed to continue unchecked, it will erode public trust in the judiciary. "No one will be allowed to go unpunished."
The CJI said, "It is my duty as the head of the institution to identify who is responsible; those responsible must be held accountable."
CJI Surya Kant said that there appears to be a deep-rooted and well-planned conspiracy to defame the judiciary.
Taking exception to the NCERT's communication on Wednesday, the SC said that there was not a single word of apology in it, and instead, they have tried to justify it.
At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
The bench posted the matter for further hearing on March 11.
