Sex Education Should Be Included In School Curriculum From Younger Age, Not Limited To Classes IX To XII : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (October 8) opined that Sex Education should be incorporated in the school curriculum from a younger age, and not be restricted to Classes IX to XII. “we are of the opinion that sex education should be provided to the children from a younger age and not class IX onwards.”, the court said. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Alok Aradhe made this observation while hearing the bail plea filed by the juvenile, who committed offences under Sections 376 (Rape) and 506 (Criminal Intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, read with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 2012 (punishment for aggravated penetrative sexual assault). On a previous occasion, by an order dated 10.09.2025, the Court directed release of the appellant-juvenile on terms and conditions to be fixed by the Juvenile Justice Board concerned, considering the fact that he was himself a fifteen-year old boy. It also asked the Uttar Pradesh Government to file an additional affidavit, informing the Court as to how sex education is provided as a part of the curriculum in higher secondary schools within the State of Uttar Pradesh, so that young adolescents are made aware of the hormonal changes that come with puberty and the consequences that may flow therefrom. Pursuant to the Court's order, the State had filed an additional affidavit informing that the sex education is part of the school curriculum from Classes IX to XII. The Court was informed “that this curriculum is in keeping with the directives of the National Council of Educational Research & Training.” Not convinced with the curriculum, the Court opined that sex education should be part of the curriculum from a younger age, not limited to Classes IX to XII. However, the Court left the issue open for the authorities to take necessary and corrective steps. “It is for the authorities concerned to apply their mind and take corrective measures, so that children are informed of the changes that happen after puberty and the care and cautions to be taken in relation thereto.”, the court said. Cause Title: JUVENILE X VERSUS THE STATE OF U.P.Citation : 2025 LiveLaw (SC) 989Click Here To Read/Download Order

Sex Education Should Be Included In School Curriculum From Younger Age, Not Limited To Classes IX To XII : Supreme Court

Yash Mittal

The Court left the matter to be decided by the concerned authorities.

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