SC dismisses plea to make yoga compulsory in schools

The Delhi high court had earlier rejected the plea for the introduction of yoga as part of the syllabi and holding of compulsory yoga classes for all school students.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the plea seeking to make yoga education compulsory in schools and put the onus on the government to take a decision. The plea had sought making it compulsory in schools from class 1 to 8 across the country.

A bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice L N Rao reportedly said, "Go and persuade people to take up yoga. If people want, they will pick it up themselves."

The Delhi high court had earlier rejected the plea for the introduction of yoga as part of the syllabi and holding of compulsory yoga classes for all school students, said reports.

Asserting that yoga cannot be enforced as a fundamental right under children's right to free and compulsory education, the Centre had earlier said that education figured in the concurrent list and a majority of schools were under the control of states and Union Territories.

Tamil Nadu education minister Thiru Sengottaiyan had in June said that yoga will be made compulsory in all schools in the state.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also directed the state officials to introduce a yoga education programme in government schools.

Petitioner-advocate J C Seth had on March 8, 2011 persuaded the apex court to seek a response from the Centre on making yoga a compulsory subject in schools. The SC had then asked additional solicitor general Maninder Singh to look into the issue.

OneIndia News