Breaking News: India's National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a revised social science textbook for Class 8 students, introducing a critical examination of the nation's judicial system. This latest update goes beyond traditional explanations, explicitly addressing significant issues like corruption, extensive case backlogs, and a shortage of judges as key obstacles to justice.
Key Insights for Students: A Deeper Look at the Judiciary
The updated chapter, titled โThe Role of the Judiciary in Our Societyโ, is a pivotal part of the new Class VIII social science curriculum. Unlike its predecessors, which primarily focused on court structures, judicial independence, and access to justice, this edition delves into the complex problems currently impacting the legal framework.
Understanding Judicial Challenges
The new textbook encourages young learners to ponder critical questions: What factors contribute to delays in court proceedings? Why is public faith in the judiciary essential? And how does corruption impede fair access to justice for citizens?
- The Problem of Corruption: The book candidly states that "people do experience corruption at various levels of the judiciary." It emphasizes how this issue disproportionately affects "the poor and the disadvantaged," making their struggle for justice even harder. However, it also highlights ongoing efforts by both state and central governments to foster trust and enhance transparency, including leveraging technology and taking decisive action against misconduct.
- Massive Case Backlog: A significant concern detailed in the textbook is the overwhelming number of pending cases. The figures presented are stark:
| Court Level | Approximate Pending Cases |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court | 81,000 |
| High Courts | 62.4 lakh |
| District & Subordinate Courts | 4.7 crore |
This staggering backlog is attributed to several factors, including:
- An insufficient number of judges.
- Overly complex legal processes.
- Inadequate infrastructure within the judicial system.
Ensuring Accountability Within the Judiciary
The revised chapter also sheds light on the accountability mechanisms in place for judges. It explains that judges are expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct, governing their professional and personal behavior. Internal oversight systems exist, and the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) provides a formal channel for complaints. Notably, the textbook reveals that over 1,600 complaints were registered through CPGRAMS between 2017 and 2021.
Rebuilding Public Trust: A Call for Transparency
The NCERT textbook further reinforces the importance of public confidence by quoting former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai. In July 2025, he reportedly stated that incidents of corruption and misconduct within the legal system "inevitably have a negative impact on public confidence." He stressed that restoring this trust relies on "swift, decisive and transparent action taken to address and resolve these issues," emphasizing that "Transparency and accountability are democratic virtues."
This latest NCERT update marks a crucial step in educating young Indians about the realities and challenges facing their country's justice system, promoting a more informed and engaged citizenry for the future.
