The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the state government to finalize comprehensive guidelines for the prevention and treatment of snakebite incidents within four weeks. The directive came during the hearing of Kulathoor Jaisingh v. State of Kerala & Ors.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen observed that while the number of individuals treated for snakebites varied over the past five years, there has been a notable decline in fatalities.

According to data submitted by the State, deaths due to snakebites have reduced significantly, from 71 in 2019–20 to 31 in 2024–25. The number of snakebite treatments recorded over the years showed fluctuations:

• 5,322 cases in 2020

• 3,412 in 2021

• 279 in 2022

• 5,135 in 2023

• 6,664 in 2024

“Though the number of persons in treatment seem to vary, the data shows a decline in fatalities,” the Court remarked.

The Court emphasized the need for the State to take a structured approach to snakebite management and prevention, especially in rural and forest-adjacent areas where such incidents are more frequent.

The matter is expected to be taken up again after the four-week deadline for compliance