New Delhi: Delhi University’s Vice-Chancellor, Yogesh Singh, announced Thursday that the proposal to include ‘Manusmriti’ in the LLB curriculum has been rejected. The clarification comes amidst significant controversy surrounding the suggestion to teach the ancient Hindu legal text to law students.
In a video message shared by the university, Singh stated, “Today, a proposal by the Faculty of Law was submitted to Delhi University. In the proposal, they had suggested changes in the paper titled Jurisprudence. One of the changes was to include readings on Manusmriti. We have rejected both the suggested readings and the amendments proposed by the Faculty. Nothing of this sort will be taught to students.”
The proposal was set to be discussed in the university’s Academic Council meeting on Friday. It sparked criticism from a section of the university’s teaching staff, who argued that the Manusmriti promotes regressive views, particularly towards women and marginalized communities.
The Faculty of Law had proposed the revisions to the jurisprudence syllabus for first and third-year LLB students. The proposed changes included two readings on Manusmriti: “Manusmriti with the Manubhasya of Medhatithi” by GN Jha, and “Commentary of Manu Smriti – Smritichandrika” by T Kristnasawmi Iyer. These changes were unanimously approved in a June 24 meeting of the faculty’s Course Committee, chaired by its dean, Anju Vali Tikoo, according to the minutes of the meeting.
Opposition to the proposal
Opposition to the proposal was led by the Left-backed Social Democratic Teachers Front (SDTF). In a letter to Vice-Chancellor Singh, SDTF general secretary, SS Barwal and chairperson SK Sagar argued that Manusmriti promotes a “regressive” outlook on the rights of women and marginalized communities, contradicting the principles of a progressive education system.
The letter stated, “In Manusmriti, in several sections, it opposes women’s education and equal rights. Introduction of any section or part of Manusmriti is against the basic structure of our Constitution and principles of the Indian Constitution.”
The SDTF demanded the immediate withdrawal of the proposal, urging the vice-chancellor to instruct the law faculty to adhere to the existing syllabus for the jurisprudence paper. The Academic Council was scheduled to review the proposal on July 12.
Salami tactics of the non-biological PM: INC
Adding to the controversy, the Congress party criticized the Centre on Thursday over the proposal, alleging that it is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tactics to fulfill the RSS’s long-standing aim to undermine the Constitution. The Congress’s Scheduled Caste department called for protests against the proposed move at state and district levels.
Reacting to the development, Congress general secretary, in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh, said, “This is all part of the salami tactics of the non-biological PM to bring fulfilment to the decades-long attempt by the RSS to assault the Constitution and Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy.”
Laws of Manu
The Manusmriti, also known as the Manava-Dharmashastra or the Laws of Manu, is a significant text among the various Dharmahastras of Hinduism. Written in Sanskrit, the text is believed to date back to the 1st to 3rd century CE. It presents itself as a discourse by Manu and Bhrigu on various topics related to dharma, including duties, rights, laws, conduct, and virtues.
While the Manusmriti holds historical and cultural importance, its inclusion in a modern law curriculum has been met with resistance due to its stance on social issues, particularly gender and caste.
Mahi Saha
Mahi Saha, from Ranchi, reports for Neo Politico.
