The Kerala government has informed the High Court that textbooks for grade 7 will now include a sexual awareness program aimed at educating students. The government's counsel presented a copy of Part I of the seventh-grade textbook, which is set to be introduced in schools following the Kerala syllabus for the upcoming academic year. This new curriculum incorporates a comprehensive sexual awareness program.

The counsel representing the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) also informed the court that the CBSE has developed four manuals for sexual awareness classes, which are scheduled to be released by the end of March 2024. These manuals will be implemented in schools starting from the next academic year.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas verbally remarked, "It's essential for them to internalize this knowledge."

The court also commented on the pledge designed for students to reaffirm their rights regarding bodily consent. "The pledge is a positive initiative for younger students. It subtly communicates what is expected," remarked the court.

Ms. Parvathy Menon, representing the Victim Rights Centre, highlighted that the Union Territory of Lakshadweep should also be included in the aforementioned program. Consequently, the court has included the Lakshadweep Administration as an additional respondent.

The Kerala High Court was deliberating on a bail application when it observed the alarming rise in sexual offenses against children attributed to insufficient awareness. Consequently, invoking its writ jurisdiction, the Court included the State of Kerala, the Central Board of Secondary Education, and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority as respondents. It directed them to initiate measures aimed at integrating a prevention-focused curriculum into schools to educate students about sexual abuse.

Previously, the Court was informed that the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) will incorporate awareness about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act into their curriculum. It was further mentioned that textbooks on this subject will be crafted by experts.

Matter has been posted for March 11, 2024.

Case Title: Anoop v. State of Kerala

Case Number: Bail Appl. 3273 of 2022