Kerala High Court Calls For Draft Guidelines On Snake Bite Prevention In Schools

The directions were given by the division bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen, while hearing a petition on the issue of basic health care in relation to snake bites, which arose after an incident involving snake bite to a student in 2019.

The court observed that a detailed order was passed directing that the Circular which was issued on May 2025 by the Department of General Education, had various shortfalls, and it should be placed before the Chief Secretary as the coordination between Local Self Government Department, Health Department and Forest Department was necessary to have a comprehensive plan on the subject matter.

The Amicus Curiae has pointed out that the academic year of the schools had already begun and it is necessary to have a plan of action in place. The Government Pleader submitted that the Chief Secretary is proposing to call for a joint meeting to prepare guidelines.

The Court has previously noted that the methodology laid down in the Circular necessitates the involvement of Local Self Government Department, Health Department and the Forest Department of the State.

The Court directed the Chief Secretary to hold a meeting of the senior offices of Local Self Government Department, Health Department, Forest Department and Education Department of the State and directed the preparation of comprehensive guidelines taking into consideration the inputs received from these Departments.

The matter will be posted on 28 July 2025.

Case Title - Kulathoor Jaisingh v State of Kerala and Ors

Case NO - WP(C) 32493/2019