HC Issues Interim Order on Surya Namaskar, Pranayam in Schools

Madhya Pradesh High Court issuing an interim order on Friday directed the state government to refrain from compelling schools and colleges to conduct Surya Namaskar, and Pranayam after minority institutions termed it a violation of their fundamental rights.

The ritual salutation to the morning sun and the yogic breathing exercises were made compulsory in schools and colleges some two tears ago, the state government order, however came in for opposition from the minorities.

Issuing the directives on a petition filed Madhya Pradesh Catholic Church, a HC division bench comprising Chief Justice AK Patnaik and Justice Ajit Singh also served four-week returnable notices on State Chief Secretary, Education Department Principal Secretary and others.

The petition stated that the state government order, making the weekly sun salutation and breathing exercises compulsory in minority institutions, was issued despite an HC interim order passed on the same matter in 2007.

Archbishop Dr. Leo Cornelio, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Council, has welcomed the order of the court.
(Story Based on Media Reports)