The presence and existence of a law text of such fundamental nature as Manusmriti.. on par with similar texts and edicts like that of Hammurabi (Babylon) in other parts of the globe is a reality and Manusmriti forms(ed) the solid foundation of Indian Law and its evolution. We may consider other texts too ...like that of Yajnavalkya, Brihaspati, Shukra, Vishnu etc in the same basket, but every other text drew its authority from Manu..
Maybe the discussions in the penultimate parvams of Mahabharatham (Anushaasika, Shanti) have a great and substantial persuasive value,, and the instructions and revelations of Vedas or Shrutis , though they lack openness and clarity formed the basic source, and Manusmriti still, is very important as an ancient source of Indian Legal System.
Religion, Karma etc can be quoted by some hardcore afficianados of Vedas and Smritis strictly from a theological angle, but Manusmriti has to be viewed in the context of evolution of society from sociological angle and not from bhakti or karma angle alone.
I am not in agreement with the idea of confining or restricting any socially relevant text tying it wholly to the yoke of Karma and fate. Doing so would be a shortsigted action.
Sure, Manusmriti has a social relevance. Its critics have their relevance too. And we need not look at the critics in our own society as aliens or unfortunate persons. They are just holding their own views. That is all. They are neither fortunate or unfortunate.
The relevance of Manusmriti has to be explained, expounded, defended by giving stress on its meritorious parts.. and relevant principles of law and justice held aloft by it for generations.
Every idea gains its social acceptability or receives brickbats entirely based on the identification or perception of morality and ethics prevalent in the set up in which such idea is floated. Nothing is right or wrong for all, and in absolute terms.
Neither worshipping Manusmriti as a sacred text, nor burning it as blasphemous is of much use.
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