Medical Curriculum Revamped: Sodomy and Lesbianism Reclassified as Unnatural Sex Crimes

New Delhi Sep 04, 2024 The National Medical Commission (NMC) has revised its curriculum for forensic medicine and toxicology, reintroducing several contentious topics that were previously removed. This update includes the classification of sodomy and lesbianism as unnatural sex offenses, a decision that has generated considerable discussion within the medical and legal communities.

These subjects were initially excluded from the curriculum following a directive from the Madras High Court in August 2022. The recent reinstatement reflects a shift towards more traditional viewpoints on sexual behavior and legal definitions. Alongside these, the revised curriculum now also covers topics such as the hymen, its types, and the medico-legal implications of virginity and defloration—subjects that were previously omitted.

The curriculum update aims to align with current legal frameworks and enhance the medical education of students by incorporating comprehensive knowledge of various legal aspects. The revised syllabus includes important legal competencies such as the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). It also addresses civil and criminal cases, inquests by police and magistrates, and distinctions between cognisable and non-cognisable offenses.

Despite these updates, the curriculum does not include a previously planned seven-hour course on disability, indicating a shift in focus. This omission suggests that the NMC is prioritizing other areas within forensic medicine and toxicology.

The NMC has stated that these changes are part of a broader effort to adapt medical education to evolving societal and legal contexts. The updated Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum (CBME) Guidelines for 2024 aim to produce Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs) who are well-prepared to handle community health issues while adhering to both national and global standards.

The decision to reintroduce these topics underscores the NMC’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education that reflects both traditional and contemporary perspectives on medical and legal issues. By integrating these subjects back into the curriculum, the NMC aims to ensure that medical students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex legal and ethical challenges in their future careers.