Supreme Court Advises Centre Against Introducing Third Language in Class 9
Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna has expressed strong concern regarding the introduction of a third language at the Class 9 level under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. During a hearing on July 16, 2026, the judge observed that initiating a new language at this stage places unnecessary stress on students, as they are preparing for board examinations just one year later.
“No, that is very bad. Ninth standard is stressful. Why do you introduce a new language in 9th? You introduce it in 6th,” Justice Nagarathna remarked while presiding over a division bench alongside Justice R. Mahadevan.
The remarks were made during the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against a Madras High Court direction to facilitate the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district of the state.
Concerns Over Academic Pressure
Justice Nagarathna emphasized that the academic pressure for Class 10 board examinations begins as early as the end of Class 8. Drawing from her own academic experience, she recalled that during her schooling in the 1970s, students were introduced to advanced concepts early to prepare for board assessments. She argued that given the current academic environment, the introduction of a third language should occur earlier in a student’s education.
“The earlier, the better,” she stated, noting that in her own middle school experience, the third language was introduced earlier to meet curriculum requirements. Addressing the Union government, she urged, “Union of India, please don’t have third language in 9th standard.”
The Context of the Language Policy
The validity of the CBSE’s three-language policy is currently the subject of separate public interest petitions pending before a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant. While the current case before Justice Nagarathna’s bench focused on the establishment of JNVs, the Tamil Nadu government’s counsel reiterated the state’s long-standing objection to the three-language formula.
During the hearing, Justice Nagarathna clarified that the existing policy does not mandate Hindi as the third language. “The State language has to be taught, English has to be taught and any third language. It doesn’t say Hindi,” she observed. When the issue of language imposition was raised, the judge queried, “You don’t want Hindi, but if it’s Sanskrit, what is the issue?”
Stakes in the Tamil Nadu JNV Dispute
The dispute stems from a Madras High Court judgment that directed the establishment of JNVs in every district of Tamil Nadu, ruling that the state’s refusal to permit these schools curtailed students’ rights and was inconsistent with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. The Supreme Court had stayed this direction in 2017.
In December 2025, the Supreme Court modified that stay, directing the Union and the state to hold consultations regarding land identification for the schools. During the latest hearing, Justice Nagarathna advised the newly formed state government—led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam—against rejecting central schemes purely based on their origin.
“You may have your education system, but don’t prevent the Central government schools,” the judge said. “Don’t have this attitude that it is the Union government, so why should we accept it.”
Current Status of Discussions
The bench noted that discussions between the Union and the Tamil Nadu government regarding the establishment of the schools are still in progress. The court granted the state government three weeks to consult with stakeholders and obtain instructions, citing the recent “change of guard” in the state administration. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 11.
Find more reporting in our News section.
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