The Supreme Court on Thursday raised concerns over the introduction of a third language at the Class 9 level under the CBSE curriculum, with Justice B V Nagarathna remarking that it places unnecessary academic pressure on students just before their board examinations.
The Court also advised the Tamil Nadu government not to oppose the Centre’s education policy simply because it was introduced by the Union government. At the same time, it noted that discussions regarding the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), which follow the three-language policy, are still ongoing in the state.
While hearing Tamil Nadu’s appeal against a Madras High Court order directing the state to facilitate the setting up of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in every district, Justice Nagarathna questioned the rationale behind introducing a new language only in Class 9. Tamil Nadu’s opposition to JNVs is primarily based on the three-language policy followed by these schools.
Describing the move as "very bad," Justice Nagarathna observed that students are already under significant academic pressure as they prepare for their Class 10 board examinations.
"Ninth standard is stressful. Why introduce a new language in 9th? It should be introduced in 6th," Justice Nagarathna said.
She urged the Union government to reconsider the timing of the policy, suggesting that students should begin learning a third language much earlier in their academic journey.
"Union of India, please don't introduce a third language in 9th standard. Whether it is CBSE, ICSE or a State Board, Class 10 is a board examination. The pressure begins from the end of Class 8," Justice Nagarathna said, recommending that the third language be introduced from the middle-school stage instead.
The Supreme Court is also separately hearing a batch of petitions challenging the implementation of the three-language policy in CBSE schools.
Justice Nagarathna Recalls Her Schooling
Drawing from her own educational experience, Justice Nagarathna said students in her school began learning a third language during middle school, making it easier to adapt before appearing for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations.
She recalled that students had the option of choosing Kannada, Hindi or Sanskrit as the third language, depending on their second language.
"The earlier, the better," she remarked.
Referring to her school days in the 1970s, Justice Nagarathna said, "During our time, students were introduced to Class 10 concepts as early as Class 8 to prepare for board examinations. If we had that level of preparation, imagine the pressure on students today. Don't start a new language in 9th. Start it in 6th. I'm recalling my experience from 1976."
Supreme Court Says NEP Does Not Mandate Hindi
During the hearing, Justice Nagarathna clarified that the National Education Policy (NEP) does not require Hindi to be the third language.
"The state language has to be taught, English has to be taught, and any third language. It does not specify Hindi," she observed.
Counsel appearing for the respondent NGO submitted that the NEP clearly states that no language should be imposed on any state.
Justice Nagarathna then asked the Tamil Nadu government, "If you don't want Hindi, but the third language is Sanskrit, what is the issue?"
The state's counsel responded that the requirement to study a third language becomes compulsory only from Class 9.
Bench Urges Tamil Nadu Not to Reject Centre's Policy
The Bench also advised the Tamil Nadu government not to reject the Centre’s education policy merely because it was formulated by the Union government.
"You may have your own education system, but do not prevent central government schools from functioning. Don't take the approach that because it is the Union government, it should not be accepted," the Bench observed.
The Court further noted that discussions between the Centre and the state regarding the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are still underway.
Referring to the recent political developments in Tamil Nadu, the Bench observed that the situation could change depending on the outcome of the ongoing talks.
"The discussions have not concluded. Only if those talks fail will the question of examining the merits arise. There has been a change of guard. Let us see what emerges from the discussions," the Bench said.
Case Adjourned to August 11
These observations were made while hearing Tamil Nadu’s appeal against the Madras High Court’s direction to facilitate the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across the state. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the schools due to concerns over their implementation of the three-language policy.
The Supreme Court adjourned the matter for further hearing to August 11.
