New Delhi: In a recent decision by Delhi University's Faculty of Law, the ancient Sanskrit text Manusmriti is set to be introduced in its undergraduate law program under the paper called Jurisprudence (Legal Method), prompting concerns among some faculty members.
The updated syllabus document will be presented to DU’s Academic Council for approval on Friday, with the aim of implementing it in the upcoming academic session starting in August.
Manusmriti, accompanied by the Manubhasya of Medhatithi by G N Jha, will be introduced as a suggested reading under Unit V-Analytical Positivism of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program in Semester 1.
Professor Anju Vali Tikoo, Dean of the Faculty of Law, stated, “The Manusmriti has been introduced in line with the NEP 2020 to incorporate Indian perspectives into learning. The unit is analytical, and introducing the text provides students with a broader perspective to compare and understand analytical positivism,” as reported by Indian Express.
Opposing the move, the Social Democratic Teachers Front wrote to DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh on Wednesday, expressing concerns. The letter stated, “It has come to our knowledge that Manusmriti has been recommended to students as 'suggested readings,' which is highly objectionable as this text is adverse to the progress and education of women and marginalized communities.”
The letter further argued, “In the country, 85 per cent of the population belongs to marginalized communities and 50 per cent are women. Their progress depends on a progressive education system and teaching pedagogy, not regressive texts. Manusmriti, in several sections, opposes women’s education and equal rights. Introducing any part of Manusmriti is against the basic structure and principles of our Constitution.”
Additionally, the Faculty of Law is working on adding three new courses on new criminal laws, which will replace the existing courses on the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhitha, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.