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NEW DELHI: A new NCERT textbook has described the judiciary as an “impartial and independent institution”, months after the Supreme Court objected to a section on alleged “corruption in the judiciary” in an NCERT Class 8 textbook.The Class 9 social science textbook describes the judiciary as an “impartial and independent institution that safeguards citizens’ rights and upholds the spirit of the Constitution.”The book, however, was prepared before the earlier controversy broke out.It outlines the judiciary’s key functions, stating that it reviews executive actions and constitutional amendments, can strike down unconstitutional laws, upholds the Constitution, and “plays a vital role in protecting and promoting democratic values and the rights of all sections of the society”.In a section titled “Separation of Powers” under the chapter on democracy, the textbook also notes that the judiciary entertains public interest litigations (PILs) to “ensure access to justice for all”.In February, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of a Class 8 NCERT social science textbook that contained a section on alleged judicial corruption.A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant described it as a “deep-rooted and well-planned conspiracy to defame judiciary.” Following the court’s observations, NCERT withdrew the physical and digital copies of the textbook and issued an apology.The Supreme Court subsequently imposed a “complete blanket ban” on any further publication, reprinting or digital dissemination of the textbook, holding that it contained “offending” content on corruption in the judiciary. It also imposed a “life ban” on the three academicians associated with preparing the material, barring them from participating in future academic exercises at government-run universities and institutions.However, the court later acknowledged that some of its observations had been “harsh” and lifted the life ban on the three academicians.(With PTI inputs)
