Advocate and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of India, Vikas Singh, expressed disappointment with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for introducing a section on judicial corruption in its curriculum. Singh emphasized the need for a focus on building national character rather than singling out the judiciary for discussion.
Singh highlighted the broader implications of such a selective approach, suggesting that targeting the judiciary in this manner could undermine the institution’s integrity and weaken public trust in democracy. He underscored the importance of addressing corruption in a holistic manner, encompassing various societal aspects beyond specific institutions.
Questioning the alignment of current practices with foundational principles of freedom, Singh proposed a more inclusive approach to educational content. He emphasized the significance of promoting national dialogue on issues that serve the public interest, advocating for a curriculum that fosters critical thinking and societal awareness.
Singh acknowledged the existence of corruption within the judiciary but argued that compared to other sectors, it remains relatively less pervasive. He pointed out the challenges faced by the judiciary, such as resource constraints and infrastructure deficiencies, while commending efforts to ensure accountability and efficiency in the legal system.
The Supreme Court intervened in response to the controversy, criticizing the NCERT for its portrayal of “corruption in the judiciary” in a Class 8 Social Science textbook. The court issued directives for the immediate withdrawal of the textbook, removal of digital copies, and a ban on further dissemination, citing concerns about the potential negative impact on the judiciary’s reputation and credibility.
