The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a petition that sought directions for the appointment of “yoga mitra” instructors in schools across India. The petitioner, advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, argued that integrating yoga into the school curriculum would improve children’s physical and mental health, contributing to their right to education and overall well-being, as protected under Articles 21 and 21A of the Indian Constitution.

The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, acknowledged the positive impact of yoga on health, noting that as a yoga practitioner himself, he recognized its value. However, he pointed out that the issue was related to government policy and was not within the judiciary’s jurisdiction to direct. The bench, consisting of CJI Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, dismissed the plea as a policy matter that falls under the purview of the government.

The petition highlighted that yoga could help prevent health issues among children, ensuring their ability to live with dignity, and that the state had a constitutional obligation to provide conditions conducive to good health. It also referenced various provisions under the Constitution, including Article 39 and Article 47, to argue that it was the state’s responsibility to promote the health of its citizens, particularly children, through necessary programs such as yoga instruction.

After the court’s remarks, Upadhyay sought permission to withdraw the plea, which was granted by the bench. This case serves as a reminder that while health initiatives like yoga are valuable, their implementation remains a matter of governmental policy and not judicial intervention.

Source: PTI

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