BREAKING | Manusmriti in Legal Education, Controversy Over Ancient Texts and Modern Ethics at Delhi University |

The inclusion of the Manusmriti in Delhi University’s law syllabus sparked significant controversy, leading to its eventual cancellation. The Manusmriti, a classical Hindu jurisprudential text, has a complex history in India. While it contains philosophical teachings and regulations that have influenced Hindu law, it also embodies casteist and misogynistic ideas that have been central to the oppression of lower castes and women. This text has played a dual role in Indian society: on one hand, it has been revered as a source of spiritual and legal guidance; on the other, it has perpetuated social inequalities, making its inclusion in modern legal education highly contentious.

The proposal to include the Manusmriti faced backlash, particularly from those who recognize its role in sustaining caste-based discrimination. The burning of the Manusmriti by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1927 is a significant historical event in the fight for Dalit dignity, underscoring the text’s controversial nature. Critics argue that introducing such a text in a law syllabus could reinforce caste biases among impressionable students, especially in the current politically charged environment.

The debate also highlights the broader issue of how historical texts should be integrated into legal education. While understanding the history of law is crucial for students, it is equally important to ensure that the content aligns with the ethical values enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The move to include the Manusmriti was seen by many as politically motivated rather than academically justified, and it ultimately failed to meet the essential purpose of legal education: to foster a sense of common brotherhood and uphold the principles of justice and equality.