Supreme Court Seeks CBSE Delay on Three-Language Policy
Supreme Court Seeks CBSE Delay on Three-Language Policy
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Key Points
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The case is being heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, with CBSE represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati.
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Justice Bagchi said the deferment was intended to “comfort the children,” reflecting the court’s concern that students needed time to mentally adjust to the additional language requirement.
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The Supreme Court clarified that its suggestions were made without prejudice to the parties’ rights and contentions, leaving the underlying legal issues to be decided later.
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The court had agreed on May 27 to examine a petition challenging the policy and issued notices seeking responses from the Centre, CBSE and NCERT.
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CBSE’s examples of Indian-language options include Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Odia and Assamese, while listed non-Indian options include English, French, German, Arabic and Spanish.
India's Supreme Court asked the Central Board of Secondary Education to delay its three-language requirement for Class 6 students until the 2027 academic session, Times of India reported. The court said the postponement would give children more time to prepare. Current Class 6 students could still study three languages this year if they choose.
The policy requires students to study three languages, including at least two Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, or Telugu, India Today noted. The court said its suggestion was meant to 'comfort the children' during the transition. CBSE said it would review the proposal and submit a fresh note to the court.
Court Balances Student Concerns Against Policy Goals
Justice Joymalya Bagchi stated the deferment aimed to 'comfort the children,' reflecting the bench's concern that students needed mental adjustment time, The Hindu Business Line reported. Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana also sat on the bench. The court emphasized its suggestions carried no prejudice to legal rights, meaning the underlying challenges would still be decided later.
Three-Language Requirement Faces Legal Challenge
The Supreme Court agreed on May 27 to examine a petition challenging the policy, News on Air reported. The court issued notices asking the Centre, CBSE, and NCERT to respond to the lawsuit. The challenge questions whether the three-language mandate is fair and necessary for all Class 6 students across India.
CBSE's Language Options Span Indian and Global Choices
CBSE allows students to choose from twelve Indian languages: Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Odia, and Assamese, Times of India reported. Non-Indian options include English, French, German, Arabic, and Spanish. The policy aims to preserve India's linguistic heritage while offering international language exposure.
Class 9 Rollout Remains Scheduled for July 2025
While Class 6 implementation may be pushed to 2027, CBSE's circular makes the three-language requirement mandatory for Class 9 students beginning July 1, India Today noted. This staggered approach allows schools time to adjust curriculum and hire teachers. The court's delay suggestion applies only to younger students entering Class 6.
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