This ruling is an example of how judges interpret laws such as the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 (HAMA), using classical Dharmashastra as moral and historical guidelines rather than as legally obligatory.
Taking to X, Jairam Ramesh insinuated that the Shram Shakti Niti draft taking inspiration from Manusmriti, a foundational Hindu legal code, somehow marks India’s departure from constitutional values.
The DU committee also proposed to include several other ancient texts including Harsha Charit, Matsyapurana, Sangam Kavya and Sanskrit inscriptions of the Delhi Sultanate in the syllabus. However, the inclusion of Manusmriti is being opposed particularly.
Although Rahul Gandhi suggested that a believer in Manusmriti would have a problem with the Constitution, it is interesting to note that BR Ambedkar cited Manu to garner support for his Hindu Code Bill in 1949.
If Muslims do not take the initiative and face the bullets for Dalits, then Manuvadis will treat them like Shudras...," Maulana Ahsanul Haq Chaturvedi brazened out.