In its advisory issued on Friday, February 27, 2026, NCERT asked any “individual or organization” in possession of the book or any material related to it to return it to the Publications Department of the Ministry of Education, Social Sciences, New Delhi “as soon as possible”. Photo credit: X/ncert
A day after the Supreme Court banned a social studies textbook over a section on “corruption” in the judiciary, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Friday (Feb 27, 2026) asked people to return the book and remove related social media posts.
NCERT reiterated that it has withdrawn the 8th class textbook.
In its advisory issued on Friday (February 27, 2026), the NCERT asked any “individual or organization” in possession of the book or any material related to it to return it to the Ministry of Education, Social Sciences Publications Department in New Delhi “as soon as possible”. Anyone who has posted any material related to the controversial section on social media or online should delete it.
The statement was issued by the office of Secretary Himanshu Gupta, NCERT, citing the Supreme Court order in this regard.
Suo motu case
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (February 25, 2026) registered a suo motu case in connection with a section that appeared in a chapter titled “Role of Judiciary in Our Society”. Chief Justice Surya Kant termed the section on “corruption” in the judiciary as a “selective reference”, while seeking registration of a suo motu case.
On Thursday (February 26, 2026), while hearing the case, the Supreme Court ordered that copies of the book that had already been distributed or sold be confiscated and further asked the officials concerned to file a compliance report on the seizure.
Soon after the Supreme Court took up the matter on Wednesday, the NCERT issued a public statement apologizing for the “inappropriate textual material” and “error in judgment” that had “crept” into the said textbook. A day later, as the controversy intensified, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed regret and noted that an order had been issued to withdraw the book once the material was noticed. Government officials claimed the directive was issued on Tuesday, a day after the book was released.
Sources added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took note of the section in question and called for accountability. Mr Pradhan told reporters on Thursday (February 25, 2026) that action would be taken against those found responsible.
Published – 27 Feb 2026 21:40 IST
