NCERT Class 8 Textbook Sheds Light on Critical Judicial System Challenges
A newly revised NCERT social science textbook for Class 8 has comprehensively outlined the key challenges confronting India's judicial system, bringing issues like corruption, an overwhelming backlog of cases, and an inadequate number of judges into the educational spotlight. The updated chapter, titled 'The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society,' expands significantly from earlier editions that primarily focused on the organizational structure and basic functions of courts.
Addressing Systemic Corruption and Access to Justice
The textbook directly addresses the pervasive issue of corruption within the judicial framework and its detrimental impact on access to justice, especially for economically weaker sections of society. The chapter states, "People do experience corruption at various levels of the judiciary. For the poor and the disadvantaged, this can worsen the issue of access to justice."
It further emphasizes ongoing efforts at both State and Union levels to rebuild public faith and enhance transparency, including through technological integration and swift action against corrupt practices. This marks a significant departure from previous textbooks that avoided such critical discussions.
Staggering Statistics on Pending Cases Across Courts
The textbook presents alarming data on the scale of pending litigation across India's judicial hierarchy. According to the estimates provided:
- Approximately 81,000 cases are pending in the Supreme Court
- Around 62.40 lakh cases await resolution in various High Courts
- Roughly 4.70 crore cases remain unresolved in district and subordinate courts
These figures highlight the immense pressure on the judicial system and the urgent need for reforms to address this monumental backlog.
Accountability Mechanisms and Public Grievance Redressal
Beyond identifying problems, the chapter describes existing accountability frameworks within the judiciary. It specifically references the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) as a formal channel for submitting complaints. The textbook reveals that between 2017 and 2021, more than 1,600 complaints were filed through this system, demonstrating its utilization as a tool for judicial oversight.
Emphasis on Transparency and Public Trust
The revised textbook incorporates insights from former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, who in July 2025 spoke about how misconduct and corruption erode public confidence in the judicial system. The chapter quotes him as saying, "However, the path to rebuilding this trust lies in the swift, decisive and transparent action taken to address and resolve these issues... Transparency and accountability are democratic virtues."
This inclusion underscores the educational objective of fostering awareness about the importance of integrity and accountability in democratic institutions among young students.
The NCERT's decision to incorporate these real-world challenges into the Class 8 curriculum represents a significant step toward creating more informed citizens who understand both the strengths and weaknesses of India's judicial framework. By moving beyond theoretical explanations to practical issues, the textbook aims to stimulate critical thinking about governance and justice among the next generation.
