The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has withdrawn its textbook ‘Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Social Science Grade 8 Part 2’ following a Supreme Court ban on February 26. The court objected to a section on “corruption in the judiciary” and imposed a complete ban on the book’s publication, printing, or digital dissemination.Himanshu Gupta, Secretary of NCERT, has requested individuals and organisations to return copies of the textbook to the Department of Education in Social Sciences (DESS) or Publication Division, NCERT, New Delhi. The advisory also asks people to delete the controversial chapter from social media and digital platforms.NCERT has warned that attempts to circumvent the court’s order through electronic media or alternative titles with similar content will be treated as a breach of directions. The textbook is officially withdrawn, and those who have purchased it are asked to return it immediately.


