CBSE to Revise Legal Studies Syllabus with Triple Talaq Repeal, New Criminal Laws, and Landmark Judgments
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to make major updates to its Legal Studies curriculum for Classes XI and XII, bringing it in line with India’s recent legal reforms, progressive court rulings, and changes to colonial-era laws.
The decision, approved by the CBSE’s Curriculum Committee and ratified by its Governing Body in June 2025, means students will soon study the repeal of triple talaq, removal of Section 377, and abolition of sedition, alongside new criminal laws introduced under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
Why This Update Matters
CBSE first introduced Legal Studies as an elective subject in Class XI in 2013 and Class XII in 2014 to build foundational legal literacy among senior secondary students. Over the years, it has grown in popularity among those aiming for careers in law, public policy, and governance.
However, CBSE officials acknowledge that the current textbooks, developed over five years ago, have fallen behind the pace of sweeping legal reforms that India has witnessed in the past two years.
Key Changes in the Curriculum
The revised curriculum will focus on:
- Key provisions of BNS, BNSS, and BSA
- Landmark judgments and recently established legal doctrines
- Repealed or outdated laws, including sedition, Section 377, and triple talaq
- A modern, engaging pedagogy aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
The aim is to ensure students not only learn the letter of the law, but also understand its social and historical context.
From Colonial-Era Codes to Modern Indian Laws
The curriculum revamp comes after the 2023–24 criminal law overhaul, where the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act were replaced with:
- Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – replacing IPC
- Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) – replacing CrPC
- Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – replacing Indian Evidence Act
Along with introducing modernised provisions, these reforms also scrapped outdated and discriminatory laws, including:
- Sedition Law – long criticised for stifling free speech
- Triple Talaq – criminalising the instant divorce practice in Muslim marriages
- Section 377 of the IPC – a British-era law from 1861 that criminalised same-sex relationships and certain sexual acts “against the order of nature”
These changes represent a paradigm shift in India’s legal framework, and CBSE’s updated syllabus will reflect these realities for future generations.
Expert Committee for Content Development
To ensure accuracy and relevance, CBSE will form an expert committee comprising legal scholars, educationists, and subject specialists. A content development agency may also be brought on board to help draft the new textbooks.
The Board’s target is to have the updated Legal Studies textbooks ready for implementation in the 2026–27 academic session.
Recent Expansion of Legal Studies in Schools
In April 2024, the Directorate of Education approved the rollout of Legal Studies in 29 additional schools. Principals were urged to complete formalities for CBSE approval, signalling the Board’s commitment to making the subject accessible to more students across India.
Past Syllabus Updates
The last significant revision came in 2022–23, when CBSE incorporated socially relevant topics such as:
- POSH Act 2013 (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace)
- Right to Information Act
- Consumer Protection Act
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Concept of Legal Entities
These updates reflected the social and civic awareness needs of the time. The upcoming 2025–26 revamp is expected to be even more transformative, with a sharper focus on constitutional values, human rights, and contemporary jurisprudence.
Impact on Students
With these changes, CBSE aims to:
- Equip students with updated legal knowledge relevant to today’s social realities
- Provide a stronger foundation for law entrance exams and higher studies in legal fields
- Encourage critical thinking about legal reforms and their role in shaping society
This initiative reflects CBSE’s broader vision under NEP 2020 — to create engaged, informed, and responsible citizens.
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