Kerala High Court Directs Chief Secretary to Formulate “Robust Plan” on Snakebite Management in Schools
The Kerala High Court had directed the Chief Secretary to formulate a “robust plan” on snakebite management in schools in Kerala.
The Petitions address concerns related to “snake bite envenomation in schools“. During the proceedings, a statement was filed by the Director of General Education, bringing to the Court’s notice a Circular, which highlighted the issue of snakebite, stating that “snake bites are on the rise” and that “first aid measures are critical“.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen directed, “Accordingly, we direct that the Circular dated 30 May 2025, issued by the Additional Director of General Education, be placed before the Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala, to look into the same and issue necessary directions for seeking inputs from the Local Self Government Department, the Health Department, and the Forest Department, so that a robust plan in respect of the above subject matter can be prepared, with the active involvement of all the three departments.”
Advocate R.Gopan appeared for the Petitioner, while Senior Advocate Santhosh Mathew represented the Respondents.
Brief Facts
In 2019, an unfortunate incident involving a young student, who succumbed to a snake bite, led the Court to take suo motu cognizance due to the lack of basic medical facilities to treat victims of snake bites.
Court’s Reasoning
The High Court noted that the Circular mentioned that “snake bites are on the rise in schools” and that “some children lost their lives“. The Circular also stated that “Government has spent more than Rs.1 crore during the last three years to provide Anti Snake Venom in the schools where snake sightings were reported“.
The Court noted that the Circular called for “sensitization of students” and “preparation of an action plan by the Principal/Head of the Institution, Ward Member/Councillor, Forest Officer, Health Officer and Parents, and conduct of mock drills“. The Circular also stated that “financial assistance was provided to schools for fencing, cutting wild growth, etc.“
The Court remarked, “The learned Government Pleader has brought to our notice a further circular dated 5 June 2025 issued by the Director of General Education to the Health Services Department, Forest Department and Local Self Government Department seeking their co-operation. We have no doubt that the Chief Secretary will also look into the circular issued on 5 June 2025. It is also pointed out to us that the Director of Health Services has proposed notifying snake bite envenomation as a notifiable disease under the Kerala Public Health Act, 2023, and the proposal is currently under consideration by the State Government.”
Accordingly, the High Court posted the matter for further hearing on 10th July, 2025.
Cause Title: Kulathoor Jaisingh v. State Of Kerala & Ors. (WP(C) NO. 32493 OF 2019)
Appearance:
Petitioner: Advocate R.Gopan
Respondents: Senior Advocate Santhosh Mathew; Government Pleader K.R.Ranjith; Amicus Curiae G.Biju
