The National Council of Educational Research and Training, commonly known as NCERT, has introduced new chapters in the eighth-grade curriculum focusing on corruption within the judiciary and the backlog of court cases. With this addition, eighth-grade students will now learn about the impact of judicial corruption and the overwhelming number of pending cases on legal processes. NCERT has updated the social science textbook for Class 8, incorporating sections that provide insights into pending court cases.
To make these changes to the syllabus, council members engaged in detailed discussions. The existing curriculum was revised, incorporating new paragraphs that tackle topics like judicial corruption and pending cases in the courts, ensuring that children are educated about the challenges facing the judicial system.
What's New?
The new chapter titled “The Role of Judiciary in Our Society” specifically addresses corruption at various levels within the judiciary as a significant issue. The increasing number of pending cases in courts is also highlighted as a judicial challenge, arising from several factors such as a shortage of judges, complex legal procedures, and inadequate infrastructure.
It is reported that the Supreme Court alone has 81,000 pending cases, while High Courts across the country have more than 6 million awaiting judgments. Additionally, the lower courts have a staggering backlog of over 40 million cases that are yet to be resolved.
The revised syllabus touches on instances where the judiciary annulled some laws passed by the government, even those approved by the parliament but contested thereafter. With the new edition now approved, these textbooks will soon be available in the market.
What Was Previously Taught?
Previously, the syllabus focused on the judicial system's working, structure, and its powers. However, the current edition now includes discussions on corruption within the judiciary. NCERT has also added content about ensuring accountability within the judiciary, discussing the code of conduct for High Court and Supreme Court judges, along with the procedures for handling complaints and their removal.
Earlier, chapters solely emphasized the judiciary as a fundamental arm of the government responsible for interpreting and enforcing laws and acting as the guardian of the constitution. It ensured the legislature and the executive exercised their powers appropriately, and nullified any law made by parliament contradicting the constitution.
In instances where the executive oversteps its boundaries while implementing the law, the judiciary intervenes. This checks and balances system is designed to ensure no single branch holds excessive power and that the fundamental rights of citizens are safeguarded.
