A proposal to teach Manusmriti (Laws of Manu) to Delhi University’s LLB students will be discussed in an Academic Council meeting on Friday, drawing criticism from some teachers.

The Faculty of Law has requested the university’s highest decision-making body to approve syllabus revisions for first and third-year students, incorporating ‘Manusmriti’ into the jurisprudence paper for semesters one and six.

The proposed readings include “Manusmriti with the Manubhasya of Medhatithi” by G. N. Jha and “Commentary of Manu Smriti – Smritichandrika” by T. Kristnasawmi Iyer.

The Course Committee, led by Dean Anju Vali Tikoo, unanimously approved the syllabus revisions in a June 24 meeting, according to the minutes of the meeting.

Opposing the move, the Left-backed Social Democratic Teachers Front (SDTF) wrote to DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, arguing that Manusmriti promotes a “regressive” view on the rights of women and marginalized communities, contradicting a “progressive education system.”

In their letter, SDTF general secretary S. S. Barwal and chairperson S. K. Sagar expressed that recommending Manusmriti is objectionable as it opposes women’s education and equal rights, which are fundamental to the Indian Constitution. They stated, “In Manusmriti, in several sections, it opposes women’s education and equal rights. Introduction of any section or part of Manusmriti is against the basic structure of our Constitution and principles of Indian Constitution.”

The SDTF demanded the proposal’s immediate withdrawal and urged the vice-chancellor to direct the law faculty to continue teaching the jurisprudence paper based on the existing syllabus. They insisted that the proposal should not be approved in the Academic Council’s meeting scheduled for July 12.

The controversy highlights a broader debate over educational content and the inclusion of ancient texts with contentious viewpoints in modern curricula. Critics argue that such texts can undermine the principles of equality and progressiveness that contemporary education seeks to promote, while proponents may see value in their historical and cultural significance. As the Academic Council meeting approaches, the decision on whether to incorporate Manusmriti into the LLB syllabus remains a contentious issue within the university community.

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