Latest news with #BhartiyaNagarikSurakshaSanhita
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
From Triple Talaq to Section 377: CBSE revamps Legal Studies curriculum, here's what it means for law aspirants
In what can be termed as a major overhaul, the Central Board of Secondary Education will be updating its Legal Studies curriculum for Classes 11 and 12 by including significant legal reforms into the syllabus, from the 2026-27 academic session. CBSE's updated Legal Studies curriculum will include Triple Talaq, Section 377, Sedition Law, and other legally relevant topics. (Representative image/Unsplash) Law aspirants in both classes will be introduced to the newly revamped syllabus which will include legally relevant topics like the repeal of instant triple talaq, decriminalization of homosexuality through the abolition of Section 377, and the elimination of the sedition law, a report by The Indian Express informed. In addition, students will also be introduced to newly enacted laws such as the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). Also read: CBSE makes clean and green rating mandatory for all schools under SHVR 2025-26, here's all you need to know New syllabus approved by CBSE Curriculum Committee The report stated that the Curriculum Committee of the CBSE had approved the latest decision which was ratified by the Governing Body in June 2025. Quoting official records, the report further termed that the move is a 'modern, engaging pedagogy aligned with NEP 2020.' Moreover, the new syllabus is a step towards aligning textbooks with India's evolving legal landscape, and fostering analytical reasoning and contemporary engagement by including key legal judgments and emerging doctrines. Also read: CBSE to set up its own community radio station Reason behind the reforms The report further quoted CBSE officials who observed that the board introduced Legal Studies textbooks over five years ago with an aim to build foundational legal literacy. However, the textbooks have lagged behind major legal reforms, and therefore the decision to revamp the curriculum is part of a broader push to modernise legal education in line with the National Educational Policy 2020. Also read: CBSE approves open-book exams for Class 9 from 2026-27: Report Notably, the introduction of Legal Studies dates back to 2013 for Class 11 and 20214 for Class 12. The syllabus was last updated in 2022–23, when topics link the POSH Act 2013, the Right to Information Act, the Consumer Protection Act, Intellectual Property Rights, among others were included. Moreover, the Directorate of Education had approved the rollout of Legal Studies in 29 additional schools in 2024.
India.com
6 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
J&K LG Bans 25 Books For False Narratives And Glorification Of Terrorism
The LG Administration of Jammu and Kashmir, implementing a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) order, has banned 25 books for allegedly promoting 'false narratives', 'secessionism', and the glorification of radicalization and terrorism. The ban has triggered a new debate. While some support the decision, others argue it will have little effect in the digital age. Following the MHA order, police began raiding bookshops across Kashmir. However, as of 5 PM, no copies of the banned books had been found in bookstores. The raids are ongoing. The MHA issued the ban on August 5, citing concerns that the books promote separatist ideology and glorify terrorism, which threatens India's sovereignty and integrity. The order, issued by the Home Department, invokes Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, declaring the books forfeited. This means their publication, sale, and circulation are prohibited, and existing copies may be seized. The ban coincides with the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which removed Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional status. The government claims these books, often presented as historical or political commentary, promote separatism, glorify terrorism, distort history, vilify security forces, and radicalize youth. The books are said to violate Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which address threats to national sovereignty, promotion of enmity, and actions harmful to national integration. The ban has reignited debates on freedom of expression, with critics calling it an attempt to suppress dissent and academic dialogue. Anuradha Bhasin, author of one of the banned books, called the ban 'bizarre' and said the books are well-researched, denying any glorification of terrorism. She suggested the government fears challenges to its narrative on Article 370. CPI(M) MP V Sivadasan described the ban as 'very painful' and urged democratic forces to oppose it, citing India's democratic and secular ethos. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of the Hurriyat Conference said the ban exposed the government's insecurities, adding that it would not erase history or the lived experiences of Kashmiris. A senior journalist and editor from Kashmir said the ban would have little impact in the digital age, as books are widely available online. 'The ban is only in Jammu and Kashmir. A person can read or buy these books anywhere else in the world. And when something is banned, it increases curiosity.' Rashid Rahil, a prominent Kashmiri journalist, said, 'Ideological wars are fought differently now. I don't think a book ban works in the digital age when everything is available online. If the ban was global, it would be a different matter. Banning only fuels curiosity.' There was no strong response from major political parties in Kashmir. The PDP criticized the move, questioning the MHA's decision-making process. 'The same mistake was made during the abrogation of Article 370, without taking the people of Jammu and Kashmir into confidence. Youth are now seeking answers and exploring history,' a party spokesperson said. PDP Spokesperson Iqbal Tarmboo said, 'I don't understand who gives this type of feedback to the MHA. These policies have a negative impact. In the age of information, you cannot hide knowledge. Everything is online. Instead of banning, we should be working to ensure the youth aren't drawn to harmful content.' On the other hand, the BJP praised the ban as a move to curb anti-national narratives. Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board and BJP leader, called the ban a 'good step,' adding that books promoting separatism should have been banned long ago. She said, 'The 35 years of terrorism in Kashmir weren't driven only by guns but also by pens that glorified it. That dark era must not remain in our books.' The government says the ban aims to protect national security and curb radicalization among youth. The ban coincided with the Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar, where many authors and publishers gathered. The event drew large crowds of students and readers. Some visitors supported the ban, while others were critical. Amir Nazir, a student, said, 'Everyone reads books of their own interest. If the government thinks certain books are harmful, we have no issue. They know better.' Imtiyaz Hussain, an Islamic scholar, said, 'If a book is bad for society, it should be banned. But banning it in just one state isn't effective. If it's harmful, ban it globally.' This is not the first book ban in Kashmir. In February 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Police seized 668 books linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami organization as part of a wider crackdown on radical content.
Scroll.in
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
J&K administration bans Arundhati Roy's book, 24 other titles for ‘inciting secessionism'
The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department on Tuesday ordered a ban on 25 books, including works by author and activist Arundhati Roy and former Supreme Court lawyer and constitutional expert AG Noorani. The department, headed by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, claimed that the books were 'forfeited' for allegedly promoting false narratives and inciting secessionism. Among the titles that have been banned are Roy's Azadi and Noorani's The Kashmir Dispute 1947–2012. Political scientist and academic Sumantra Bose's Kashmir at the Crossroads and journalist Anuradha Bhasin's A Dismantled State are also part of the list, in addition to Do You Remember Kunan Poshpora by Essar Batool and others, Freedom Captivity by Radhika Gupta and Between Democracy and Nation by Seema Kazi. The international books that were banned include Kashmiri-American author Hafsa Kanjwal's Colonizing Kashmir: State-building Under Indian occupation, Haley Duschinski's Resisting Occupation in Kashmir, Victoria Schofield's Kashmir in Conflict and Christopher Snedden's Independent Kashmir. The action was taken under the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita section that authorises the police to seize copies of the books. The home department claimed in its order that 'credible intelligence indicate that a significant driver behind youth participation in violence and terrorism has been the systematic dissemination of false narratives and secessionist literature by its persistent internal circulation'. It further claimed that such literature is 'often disguised as historical or political commentary', but has played a critical role in 'radicalising' the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, allegedly by distorting history, glorifying terrorists, vilifying security forces and promoting religious extremism. Responding to the development, Bhasin said the books banned by the Jammu and Kashmir administration are 'well researched and not one glorifies terrorism, which this government claims to have ended'.
India.com
6 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Kashmir Bans 25 Books For Whitewashing Terrorism, Twisting History – Here's Full List
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration forfeited 25 books under Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The action aims to remove literature linked to secessionist ideology. The decision also addresses books accused of inciting violence within the union territory. A government notification (S.O. 203) in this regard was issued on August 6. The J&K Home Department listed the titles in that notification. The books allegedly spread false narratives, radicalise youth and threaten sovereignty and public order. The legal basis includes Sections 152, 196 and 197 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Section 152 deals with acts endangering unity and integrity. Section 196 addresses promotion of enmity between communities. Section 197 targets material prejudicial to national integration. The banned books include: Human Rights Violations in Kashmir by Piotr Balcerowicz and Agnieszka Kuszewska Kashmiri's Fight for Freedom by Mohd Yosuf Saraf Colonising Kashmir: State‑Building under Indian Occupation by Hafsa Kanjwal Do You Remember Kunan Poshpora? by Essar Batool et al Mujahid ki Azaan edited by Maulana Mohammad Enayatullah Subhani Independent Kashmir by Christopher Snedden Kashmir Politics and Plebiscite by Dr. Abdul Jabbar Gockhami Azadi by Arundhati Roy Resisting Occupation in Kashmir by Haley Duschinski, Mona Bhat, Ather Zia and Cynthia Mahmood Between Democracy and Nation (Gender and Militarization in Kashmir) by Seema Kazi. The government claims that these books distort historical records and calls them glorification of terrorism. It asserts the books cast Indian security forces in a negative light and views them as tools of grievance culture. It fears the books fuel insurgency. Physical copies of the books face forfeiture. Digital and online versions are also banned. Distribution via bookstores and online platforms falls under the order. The authorities cite concerns over digital spread of radical content. This action aligns with broader policy goals. Control of information flow remains a priority. Prevention of separatist sentiment forms another objective. The measure follows the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. The removal of special status made national integrity a greater focus.
Time of India
03-08-2025
- Time of India
Acid attack victims to be a category in new compensation scheme: Sawant
Panaji: A new Goa victim compensation scheme, currently being prepared by state govt, will likely see some major changes. These include assistance to affected victims when an accused is acquitted due to lack of evidence, and a separate category for acid attack victims with enhanced compensation, said CM Pramod Sawant . State govt is preparing the scheme under Section 396 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The powers to decide the award of compensation to the victim lie with the Goa state legal services authority as per the section. The aim of the scheme is 'to provide relief/assistance to the affected victim/dependent family member in case where the victim is a deceased minor and where the offender is acquitted due to insufficient/lack of evidence,' said Sawant. Since 2016, 17 victims of sexual assault and acid attacks received Rs 63 lakh as compensation. In cases where the victim or dependent is a minor and if the victim is under the care and protection of the child welfare committee, the amount of compensation shall be kept with the state or district legal services authority in the name of the victim until the victim turns 18 and shall be released to the victim thereafter, to ensure that it is utilised by the victim, said Sawant. Currently, when a recommendation is made by a court or an application is made by a victim or their dependent to the district collector, the district collector holds an inquiry and submits his findings to govt for awarding adequate compensation. Compensation sanctioned by govt is then disbursed to the victim by the district collector. State govt started the Goa victim compensation scheme, 2012, for providing monetary compensation to victims (or their dependents) who have suffered loss or injury due to crime and require rehabilitation. Under the scheme, the maximum compensation is 10 lakh. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
