The Supreme Court recently has dismissed a petition urging the incorporation of essential Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques into the school curriculum, particularly aimed at safeguarding school children from heart attacks. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dr. D Y Chandrachud  presiding over the hearing, asserted that the plea falls under the domain of government policy matters.

During the proceedings, CJI emphasized that the authority to determine school curricula lies with the government. While acknowledging the petitioner's concern regarding the rising incidents of heart attacks among school children, the court maintained that it cannot dictate specific inclusions in the educational framework. Instead, the petitioner was advised to bring the matter to the government's attention if they wish to address it.

The petitioner argued for the integration of CPR education in schools, contending that, given the escalating cases of heart-related fatalities, it is crucial for children to receive instruction on cardiovascular health. The proposal encompassed teaching emergency response procedures, specifically focusing on providing assistance to a patient through CPR. However, the court opted not to entertain the case, with CJI asserting that the court cannot prescribe the educational content for children.

The decision comes amid a growing number of incidents where school children have tragically succumbed to heart attacks in recent months. In September, a ninth-grade student at Lucknow's City Montessori School passed away suddenly due to a heart attack. Similarly, in October, a child's health rapidly deteriorated in Bikaner, Rajasthan, resulting in their untimely demise. Such cases have raised concerns about the vulnerability of school children to heart-related issues.

CPR techniques have been recognized as highly beneficial in the early stages of a heart attack. The procedure aids in restoring blood circulation, proving to be potentially life-saving when administered effectively. It is crucial to note that CPR should be initiated within the first six minutes of a cardiac event to enhance the chances of saving the patient's life. Despite these merits, the Supreme Court's recent decision underscores the distinction between legal jurisdiction and educational policy matters.