NCERT Updates Class 8 Social Science Textbook, Adds Judicial Corruption Section for First Time

For the first time, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has included a section on “corruption in the judiciary” in its new Class 8 Social Science textbook, marking a departure from earlier editions that mainly explained the structure and functions of courts.

The updated chapter, titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society", not only outlines the hierarchy of courts and access to justice but also discusses challenges such as corruption and the large number of pending cases. It mentions approximate case pendency figures about 81,000 in the Supreme Court, 62,40,000 in High Courts, and 4,70,00,000 in district and subordinate courts.

On the issue of corruption, the book explains that judges are bound by ethical guidelines that shape their behaviour both within the courtroom and outside it. It refers to internal accountability systems within the judiciary and notes that complaints can be filed through the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). According to the text, more than 1,600 complaints were received through this platform between 2017 and 2021.

The chapter also describes the constitutional process for removing judges in serious cases through impeachment by Parliament after a proper inquiry. While acknowledging concerns about corruption affecting access to justice, especially for disadvantaged groups, the book states that steps are being taken to improve transparency, including the use of technology and firm action against misconduct.

Source: The Tribune