A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India TS Thakur on Monday observed in a matter mentioned by advocate JC Seth no one can be forced to do yoga and that the question of violation of fundamental right would arise only if somebody is prevented from doing it reported The Indian Express. The advocate sought an early hearing of his petition in which he wants the Supreme Court to direct government to introduce yoga as a compulsory subject in schools throughout the country.

Seth informed the bench that all state governments, their education boards, CBSE and ICSE have been made parties in the matter which will be heard next on 12 January 2016.

The Chief Justice reportedly remarked “Who is preventing you (petitioner) from doing yoga? You can claim violation of your fundamental right only if somebody prevents you from doing it…you cannot force people to do yoga.” and proceeded to ask Seth “Do you do yoga every day? Does somebody stop you? How can people be forced to do it?” who responded that he would satisfy the court at the next hearing.