SC issues notice to Centre on making Moral Science Compulsory in Schools

“It’s easier to build strong children than repair broken men.” The morals of the country received attention of the Honorable Court when a Public Interest Litigation was filed to urge the court to issue a writ directing ‘moral science’ to be made as a compulsory subject from classes I to XII across the country. A bench comprising Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice A K Siki issued notices to Human Resources Development Ministry and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Seems like moral suasion is not just a tool used to combat an inflationary or deflationary economy to survive the mishap. It can apparently influence deeply the future of the young Indians. However the kindred spirit of the litigant cannot be humored with while considering the rapidly depleting human values in the society. From Nirbhaya to Juvenile reforms addressing counseling as one of the solutions, to the society paving way for irretrievable breakdown as a ground of marriage, general civic sense, to the UN studies providing that men who are not taught the values of not condoning violence against women, grow up to engage in such activities. Apparently there are a tad too many reasons for which we must educate the children in moral values. Can the court issue such a direction?

In the past in the Environment Education Case 1992 AIR 382 by MC Mehta, the court directed for environment to be made as a compulsory subject, keeping in mind the insipid need to sensitize children of the growing importance of environmental issues. The schools across the country quickly implemented the schemes. However later in 2012, NCERT discontinued the practice of making environment as a separate subject. And all other boards followed course.

The courts in the present case could direct that moral education be made compulsory. After all on an international level, countries like Japan have a holistic education where moral education receives its share of importance and other countries are also trying to implement the same.