Delhi University VC Rejects Proposal To Include 'Manusmriti' In Legal Studies Curriculum

New Delhi: Delhi University's Vice-Chancellor, Yogesh Singh, announced on Thursday that the university has rejected the proposal to include 'Manusmriti' in the law curriculum. The Faculty of Law initially suggested revising the jurisprudence syllabus to incorporate readings from 'Manusmriti,' but this proposal faced immediate backlash.

The proposal aimed to introduce texts such as Medhatithi's Concept of State and Law—'Manusmriti with Manubhashi'—and the 'Commentary of Manusmriti.' However, the university swiftly rejected these amendments. Delhi University received a proposal from the Faculty of Law to revise the Jurisprudence course, which included two texts related to Manusmriti. These suggestions have been rejected, and nothing of this sort will be taught at Delhi University, DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh.

“Today, the Delhi University received a proposal from the Faculty of Law suggesting changes to some courses. The two suggested texts and the amendment have been rejected by the University and will not be taught,” the VC said.

‘Manusmriti is Regressive Towards Women’

Critics argued that the text is regressive towards women and marginalized communities. The Left-backed Social Democratic Teachers Front (SDTF) wrote to the Vice-Chancellor, expressing strong objections to recommending 'Manusmriti' as part of the curriculum. The SDTF contended that the manuscript promotes a "regressive" perspective on women's rights and the rights of marginalized communities, which is contrary to a "progressive education system."

In their letter, SS Barwal, the general secretary, and SK Sagar, the chairperson of SDTF, highlighted that 'Manusmriti' opposes women's education and equal rights in several sections. They argued that introducing any part of 'Manusmriti' contradicts the basic principles of the Indian Constitution. "In 'Manusmriti,' several sections oppose women's education and equal rights. Introducing any section or part of 'Manusmriti' is against the basic structure of our Constitution and the principles of the Indian Constitution," the letter stated.