In Focus by The Hindu Was the SC's move to 'ban' the NCERT textbook an instance of judicial censorship?
Mar 9, 2026
Justice Abhay S. Oka, former Supreme Court judge and legal expert, gives a measured take on the NCERT Class 8 textbook controversy. He weighs whether the book fairly portrays judicial flaws. He discusses judicial delays, accountability mechanisms, the court’s suo motu actions, contempt and seizure orders, and the limits of restraint when responding to criticism.
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Textbooks May Criticize But Must Be Factually Complete
- Justice Abhay S. Oka says textbooks can discuss institutional criticism but must present complete, correct and fair facts.
- He cites the NCERT chapter's use of National Judicial Data Grid figures yet omits responsibility for delays by state and union governments.
Pendency Tied To Shortage Of Judges And Government Failure
- Oka points out pendency stems from inadequate judge strength and government inaction, referencing a 2002 Supreme Court directive for 50 judges per million.
- He highlights current ratio (~23 per million) and 4.7 crore pending cases as evidence governments failed to implement the order.
State Litigation Reflects Governance Failures
- Oka stresses that many high-court and Supreme Court cases are government-driven, with Article 226/32 filings reflecting governance failures.
- He argues textbooks should show how state action and governance deficits inflate judicial caseloads.