The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions to incorporate legal education and self-defence training into the school curriculum.
A bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan issued notices to the Centre and state governments, seeking their responses on the matter. The plea is tentatively listed for hearing on January 7, 2024, as per the computerised case status.
The petition, filed by advocate Reepak Kansal, argued that integrating legal education and self-defence training in schools would empower students with knowledge of their rights and equip them to handle unforeseen threats.
“It is essential for every citizen to understand the basic laws of the nation to assert and protect their fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India. In the absence of legal knowledge, individuals may struggle to fully exercise these rights,” the petition stated. It further emphasized the need for self-defence training at the school level, enabling children to protect themselves in adverse situations.
Highlighting India’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), the plea underscored the importance of protecting children from all forms of violence and abuse. Articles 39(e) and 39(f) of the Indian Constitution also mandate the government to safeguard children and ensure equal opportunities for their development.
The petition referred to Section 34 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which protects individuals acting in private defence from criminal liability. It suggested that teaching this provision to school students would help them understand their legal rights and develop skills to safeguard themselves in emergencies.
“Several incidents have shown that child victims were unable to defend themselves due to a lack of self-defence skills. Educating students about Section 34 of the BNS, 2023, would prepare them to protect themselves and seek help in critical situations,” the PIL said.
The petition also emphasized that legal literacy would enhance students’ understanding of their rights, enable them to avoid illegal activities, and empower them to seek assistance when needed. It added that this would particularly benefit girls by boosting their confidence and teaching them essential self-defence skills.
(Inputs from IANS)