The Supreme Court Today (Nov 25) issued notice to the government on a Public Interest Litigation seeking compulsory legal education and self-defence training in schools. A two-Judge Bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Vishwanathan issued notice to the Union Government, returnable in four weeks. The PIL filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, says that integration of legal education and self-defence training could play a crucial role in preventing delinquency and protecting children from violence. “Making these subjects mandatory in schools can significantly enhance their safety and wellbeing.”
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Union Government in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks the integration of compulsory legal education and self-defence training in school curriculums.
A two-judge bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Vishwanathan directed the government to respond within four weeks.
The PIL, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution by Advocate Geeta Rani and drafted by Advocate Reepak Kansal, highlights the critical role that legal education and self-defence training could play in protecting children from violence and preventing delinquency.
The petition underscores the necessity of equipping students with essential skills and knowledge to safeguard themselves and others.
“Making these subjects mandatory in schools can significantly enhance their safety and wellbeing,”
-it states.
Advocating for Legal Education in Schools
The petition emphasizes the importance of legal education, asserting that understanding the law is a fundamental requirement for every citizen to “assert and protect” their constitutional rights. Without this foundational knowledge, individuals “may struggle to fully comprehend or exercise their rights,” the petition argues.
While the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced legal studies as an optional subject for classes 11 and 12 in 2013, the PIL contends that this measure is insufficient. It argues that making legal education compulsory across all schools and grade levels would help children understand their rights, avoid illegal activities, and seek assistance when necessary.
The petition also recalls a 2019 Private Members’ Bill introduced in Parliament by MP Sudhir Gupta, titled The Compulsory Teaching of Legal Education in Educational Institutions Bill. The petitioner draws attention to this earlier initiative, emphasizing the need for legislative action to institutionalize legal education in schools.
Importance of Self-Defence Training
In addition to legal education, the PIL advocates for self-defence training, particularly to address crimes against minors. The petition highlights the vulnerabilities of minor victims who often lack the skills to defend themselves in dangerous situations.
It argues that imparting self-defence skills could play a pivotal role in crime prevention and aligns with the goals of the government’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. Without such programs, the slogan “cannot be fully realised,” the petition argues.
“It would also empower students, especially girls, by teaching them to protect themselves and boosting their confidence. It would increase awareness and encourage reporting of abuse, improving overall protection,”
-the petition states.
A Call for Holistic Student Empowerment
By integrating legal education and self-defence training into school curriculums, the petition envisions a society where children are better equipped to handle challenges, assert their rights, and protect themselves from harm. The Supreme Court’s notice to the government reflects the judiciary’s recognition of the petition’s significance.
As the Union Government prepares its response, this PIL raises critical questions about the role of education in shaping an informed and empowered citizenry.
This case represents a landmark effort to bridge gaps in education and safety, addressing the pressing need for reform in the school system to nurture well-rounded and resilient individuals.
CASE DETAILS:
Geeta Rani v. Union of India [W.P.(C) 744/2024 PIL-W]
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