Can’t order introduction of legal studies as subject in schools: HC

Rejecting a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions for introduction of legal studies as a subject in schools, the Delhi High Court has said the issue falls within the domain of authorities dealing with academic policy-making.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma observed that framing of a course falls within the sole domain of expert bodies and courts are not equipped to substitute for them. The new education policy of the Government of India is catering to the country’s need, it said. The bench, also comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad, however, added the petitioner shall be free to submit a representation to CBSE, the competent authority on curriculum designing, on the issue. “The petitioner’s submission that legal studies should be included in the curriculum and should be imparted in every school cannot be accepted as this issue falls within the domain of the expert bodies.