Teachers’ front objects addition of Manusmriti, requests Delhi University to revise LLB syllabus

NEW DELHI: Social Democratic Teachers Front (SDTF) has written to the vice-chancellor of University of Delhi requesting to revise the syllabus of LLB paper namely Jurisprudence. The teachers objected to the addition of Manusmriti in the “suggested readings” stating that the “text is adverse to the progress and education of women and marginalized communities In India”.

“This is to bring to your kind attention on a very urgent and important issue of revision in the syllabus of LLB paper named Jurisprudence, which is being taught in LLB in the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi and in various other Law courses all over the India,” the letter read.

“In the country 85 percent of the population belongs to the marginalized and 50 percent of the population is women. Their progress depends on progressive education system and teaching pedagogy, not regressive,” it said.

“In Manusmriti in several sections it opposed 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 teachers said.

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It will also adversely affect the rights of SC, ST, transgender, and OBC students and it is strictly against the equality and human values, dignity of human beings, they said.

“That's why we strongly submit our objection against this change or revision of syllabus in the paper of Jurisprudence, and we request you that it should immediately be withdrawn at earliest, and it should not be approved in AC meeting scheduled to be held on 12/7/2024,” they added. The teachers suggested strengthening the papers by more contemporary research-based reading.

Recently, the university postponed LLB 2, 4, 6 semesters till further orders, which was not received well by students and faculty as it disrupts the academic calendar. Several teachers have also raised concerns over delay in academic session caused by the CUET UG 2024 exam.