Rajasthan HC junks plea against mandatory Surya Namaskar campaign in schools

Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday dismissed the petition challenging the government’s decision to make Surya Namaskar mandatory in schools across the state. 

The High Court said the Muslim Forum, which filed the petition, is not a registered organisation and that only registered organisations or individuals can personally file petitions in the court.  

A number of Muslim organisations under the banner of Muslim Forum had filed a petition in the High Court seeking annulment of mass Surya Namaskar in schools from February 15. The High Court is set to hear another petition filed by state general secretary of AIMIM, Kashif Zuberi, on February 20. 

Both the petitions claimed the move to make Surya Namaskar mandatory is "unconstitutional and violates Article 25 of the Constitution" which guarantees the freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion to all citizens.

The petitions say the government order infringes on the religious freedom of citizens, guaranteed by the Constitution.

Jamiat Ulema e Hind, another organisation, has appealed to students to boycott the programme and not attend schools on February 15. They said the mandatory programme is direct interference in the religious freedom of any person.

Jamiat’s state general secretary Abdul Waheed Khatri said Hindus revere Sun as god but in Islam, there is no one else above Allah. 

State education minister Madan Dilawar said all those who attend school should perform Surya Namaskar as it is yoga and is necessary for overall fitness.

"It increases the stamina and strength of our bodies through its breathing exercises. It has nothing to do with religion," he said. 

According to health experts, Surya Namaskar is a complete body workout that enhances flexibility, strength, stamina, mental focus and overall fitness as it involves a series of posture and breathing exercises.