The texts Manusmriti with the ‘Manubhasya’ of Medhatithi by GN Jha and Commentary of Manu Smriti – Smritichandrika by T Krishnaswami Iyer have been included as suggested readings on the topic.
NEW DELHI: Today (12th July): The Faculty of Law at the University of Delhi has incorporated the ancient Indian text Manusmriti into its law courses. The subject Medhatithi’s concept of State and Law is now a recommended reading under Unit V – Analytical Positivism in the Jurisprudence course, which is taught in the first semester of both the three and five-year undergraduate law programs.
Medhatithi is renowned as one of the earliest and most famous commentators on Manusmriti.
The texts Manusmriti with the ‘Manubhasya’ of Medhatithi by GN Jha and Commentary of Manu Smriti – Smritichandrika by T Krishnaswami Iyer have been included as suggested readings on the topic.
Despite its inclusion, Manusmriti has faced significant criticism due to its endorsement of the caste system, gender inequality, harsh punishments, outdated social norms and values, and social ostracization.
Prof Anju Vali Tikoo, Dean of the Faculty of Law, clarified,
“It is about bringing in a critical comparative perspective. It has nothing to do with Hindus, Hindutva, or Hinduism.”
A faculty member at Campus Law Centre I expressed disapproval of this development, stating,
“There is no logic in introducing ancient texts like Manusmriti in the syllabus. It will lead to societal division based on caste and class, and promote discrimination. Young generations unaware of these texts might adopt divisive attitudes that take society backwards. In ancient times, women’s rights were restricted and men were the heads of families. As we move towards better education in a globalized world, competing with progressive countries technologically, implementing regressive texts is not logical.”
READ ALSO: Supreme Court’s Law Clerks’ Moot Court Competition 2024, Promotes Advocacy Skills
The faculty member further noted,
“I have seen numerous videos of violence in educational institutions, hostels, and IITs, often related to casteism and religious divide. Introducing these texts will exacerbate these issues. Educational institutions should foster progressive ideas. We live in a democratic State with an elaborate Constitution, and for society to grow, we need to move beyond these regressive texts.”
Reports indicate that there was supposed to be a meeting of the Academic Council before the text was introduced into the syllabus. However, the updated syllabus has been available on the students’ portal since about 6:30 PM today.
Shailendra Yadav, a final-year student at Campus Law Centre I, reacted,
“They have already implemented this text as part of the suggested readings and uploaded it on the portal. The Law Faculty is known for justice and includes students from various religions, castes, and classes. Teaching from one particular religion formally might negatively impact students from other religions and make mindsets more rigid. There were no discussions or deliberations before introducing this. In a democratic society with a living Constitution, no religion should be formally taught in educational institutions.”
Classes are scheduled to begin on August 5. Yadav, who is also a member of a minority rights group, added,
“What message will this send to Dalits, Buddhists, Jains, Christians, Muslims? This will create immense mental pressure on them when a religious text of one religion is being formally taught in a law school.”
He mentioned that the majority of teachers at DU law schools oppose this move but are hesitant to voice their concerns due to fear of threats to their promotions and research initiatives.
