Minister Pradhan stated to Media that while initial proposals were discussed, they did not receive endorsement from the Academic Council during its recent meeting. Vice-Chancellor Singh confirmed the rejection, emphasizing the university’s commitment to constitutional principles and a forward-looking educational approach.
NEW DELHI: Today (12th July): Following widespread criticism, the addition of the ancient Hindu text Manusmriti to the curriculum of law courses at Delhi University’s Faculty of Law faced significant backlash. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan clarified that the proposal had been rejected by DU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Yogesh Singh.
READ ALSO: “Manusmriti” Introduced as Part Of Syllabus in Delhi University Law Faculty
Initially included as suggested reading in the Jurisprudence subject’s updated syllabus on the DU law students’ portal, Manusmriti was subsequently removed.
Minister Pradhan stated to Media that while initial proposals were discussed, they did not receive endorsement from the Academic Council during its recent meeting. Vice-Chancellor Singh confirmed the rejection, emphasizing the university’s commitment to constitutional principles and a forward-looking educational approach.
In response to recent developments, Minister Pradhan stated that:
“Yesterday, we received information that Manusmriti would be included in the Law Faculty course at DU. I immediately discussed this with the Delhi University Vice-Chancellor. He assured me that some faculty members had proposed changes in the Jurisprudence chapter. However, today, during the Academic Council meeting, there was no endorsement of this proposal. The Vice-Chancellor rejected it yesterday. We are committed to our Constitution and a progressive approach. The government stands firm on upholding the Constitution’s true spirit and intent. There is no intention to include any controversial content.”
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Vice-Chancellor Singh, in an updated statement to The Indian Express, mentioned:
“Today, the university conducted a review meeting around 2 pm and rejected the inclusion of suggested readings on Manusmriti in the Jurisprudence (Legal Method) paper by the Faculty of Law, before it could be presented at the Academic Council meeting.”
Faculty of Law Dean Prof Anju Vali Tikoo commented on the issue in a discussion with Bar & Bench:
“We need thorough discussions on this matter. This course is already part of the BA programme and BA Hons in Sanskrit and Political Science at the university. Therefore, there is nothing inherently objectionable. In legal education, we explore various perspectives to foster critical thinking.”
Addressing concerns, Faculty of Law Dean Prof Anju Vali Tikoo noted that discussions are ongoing, highlighting the inclusion of similar texts in other university courses like BA Sanskrit and Political Science. The controversy stemmed from Manusmriti’s historical criticisms for promoting the caste system, gender inequality, and outdated social norms.
