Terming the publication of a chapter on corruption in the judiciary in a Class VIII NCERT social science textbook a “deep-rooted, well-orchestrated conspiracy to malign the judiciary”, the Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on the controversial book and on the publication or circulation of its content.Taking a firm view, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said those responsible “fired the gunshot and the judiciary is bleeding today”. A Bench of CJI Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi ordered the seizure of all physical copies of the first edition social science textbook for Class VIII titled “Exploring Society: India and Beyond” (Vol-II), published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in February 2026. It also ordered the immediate takedown of its digital versions.The Bench, however, clarified that the suo motu proceedings were not meant to stifle any legitimate critique or the right to scrutinise the judiciary. “We are of the firm conviction that rigorous discourse helps the living vitality of the institution,” the CJI said, lauding the role of mainstream media in highlighting the issue and playing a constructive role.The Bench directed NCERT, in coordination with the Union and state education departments, to ensure that all copies of the book, hard or soft, currently in circulation and whether held in storage, retail outlets or educational institutions, be seized and removed from public access.Rejecting an apology published by NCERT, the Bench issued contempt of court notices to the Secretary, School Education (Union Ministry of Education), and NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani, directing them to show cause why action under the Contempt of Courts Act or any other law should not be initiated against them or those responsible for introducing the offending chapter.“Given the serious consequences and an everlasting adverse impact on the independence of the judiciary… such misconduct will fall within the purview of criminal contempt. If proved to be a deliberate move, it will undoubtedly lead to interference with the administration of justice, besides scandalising the institution,” it said.The top court, which had on Wednesday taken suo motu cognisance of the matter, also sought the entire records related to the preparation and finalisation of the controversial chapter, along with the names of those involved. “We would like to have a deeper probe. It’s my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll,” CJI Kant said.Ordering them to file compliance reports on affidavit within two weeks, the Bench posted the matter for further hearing on March 11. “Any attempt to circumvent this order through electronic means or altered titles shall be seen as direct interference, wilful breach and defiance of the directions issued by the court,” the Bench said.“It seems to us that there is a calculated move to undermine the institutional authority and demean the dignity of the judiciary… This is a deep-rooted conspiracy… If allowed to go unchecked, it will erode the sanctity of judicial office in the estimation of the public at large and within impressionable minds of youth,” the court said.At the very outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said 32 copies of the book that had reached the market had been withdrawn and that the entire book would be revisited. When Mehta said the two individuals who prepared the chapters would never work with the NCERT, UGC or any Ministry, CJI Kant replied, “That will be very easy then and they go scot-free… they fired the gunshot, the judiciary is bleeding today!”It said, “While the publication dedicates an entire chapter on the role of the judiciary in our society, it washes away the illustrious history of the Supreme Court, high courts and trial courts and omits the role played by the institution towards preservation of democratic fabric… The text fails to recognise the role of the judiciary which upheld the basic structure doctrine.“It seems to us that the narrative in the book does not delve into any transformative measures heralded by this court, including legal aid mechanisms and streamlining access to justice. The silence is particularly egregious since so many high-ranking officers have been held by this court for corruption, misuse of public office or diversion of funds. It seems to us that the choice of words and expressions in the book may not be a mere inadvertent or bona fide error.“The necessity of judicial intervention is not from a desire to suppress criticism but to uphold the integrity of education. While students begin to navigate the nuances of public life and institutional architecture, it is improper to expose them to biased narratives at this age, which can lead to fundamental misconceptions and hinder their understanding of the responsibilities with which the judiciary works.”The Bench said it had asked the Supreme Court Secretary General to verify whether such a publication had been released by NCERT. “Instead of introspection of what had been written in the book in the most reckless, irresponsible, contemptuous and motivated manner, the Director (NCERT) responded in writing defending the contents,” it said.Supreme Court Bar Association president Vikas Singh and senior advocates Kapil Sibal, AM Singhvi and Siddharth Mridul demanded action against the erring officials.