Supreme Court Issues Notice On PIL To Include Legal Education & Self-Defense Training In School Curriculum

The Supreme Court today issued notice on a public interest litigation seeking integration of legal education and self-defense training in school curriculum.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan passed the order. The matter is next tentatively listed on January 1.

The PIL, filed by Advocate Geeta Rani, impleads all states/UTs and the Union as party-respondents. Referring to National Crime Report Bureau's 2022 Report, it highlights that there was an increase of 8.7% cases of Crimes against Children compared to 2021. Majority of these cases related to kidnapping and abduction, and only 39.7% complaints were filed under POCSO Act.

The petition further mentions that in 2013, CBSE introduced Legal Studies as an optional subject for classes XI and XII, but failed to implement it effectively. It states that a private bill titled "A compulsory teaching of legal education in education institution bill" was also introduced in the Parliament in 2019 by MP Sudhir Gupta.

In support of the prayer, the following grounds have been raised in the petition:

(i) The integration of Legal Education and Self Defense Training into the School Curriculum is essential for enhancing students' understanding of their rights, enabling them to avoid illegal activities, seek proper assistance when needed, and build confidence to protect themselves;

(ii) Educating children and adolescents about legal rights and self-defense can play a crucial role in preventing delinquency and violence against children;

(iii) Students have the right to be aware of new provision in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita ie Section 34, as per which, actions taken in exercise of right of private defense are not deemed criminal, ensuring individuals can protect themselves without fear of prosecution;

(iv) Self-defense training is necessary, particularly for female students, keeping in view the recent incidents which revealed inability to defend due to lack of self-defense skills.

Further, the petitioner relies on Article 27(1) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ratified by India, which recognizes right of every child to a standard of living adequate for their physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development.

"The Hon'ble Court has interpreted these rights to include personal safety and security, creating a Statutory Duty of the Respondents to ensure that all Children, studying in the Schools, are required to be protected from such untoward incidents."

The slogan of Central government "Beti bachao, Beti padhao" cannot be fully realized without these essential programs, the plea adds.

The petition has been filed through Advocate-on-Record Pravir Choudhary.

Case Title: GEETA RANI Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 744/2024