16 July,2026 05:12 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The bench was hearing the dispute over the establishment of JNVs but made observations on the timing of introducing a third language in schools. FILE PIC
The Supreme Court on Thursday voiced concern over the introduction of a third language from Class 9 under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, observing that it could increase the stress levels of students and suggesting that such a language should instead be introduced in Class 5 or Class 6, news agency PTI reported.
A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan orally advised the Centre against introducing a third language from Class 9.
"Union of India please don't have a third language from Class 9 level. It would unnecessarily increase the stress level of students. If you want to introduce a new language, then please do it at Class 5 or Class 6 level but not at Class 9 level. Class nine is full of stress, it starts from Class 8 onwards," Justice Nagarathna told the counsel appearing for the Centre, asking her to convey the court's views to the government.
The observations were made during the hearing of the Tamil Nadu government's plea challenging a Madras High Court order directing the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district of the state.
Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the establishment of JNVs, citing concerns over the three-language policy followed by the schools.
The bench clarified that it was not directly examining the CBSE's new language policy. It was hearing the dispute over the establishment of JNVs but made observations on the timing of introducing a third language in schools.
Another bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, is already hearing petitions challenging the CBSE's new policy and had recently declined to stay the notification.
During the hearing, counsel for the Tamil Nadu government submitted that the state's objection was centred on the three-language policy.
Justice Nagarathna observed that the policy did 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 remarked.
Advocate G Priyadarshini, appearing for respondent NGO Kumari Maha Sabha, which had moved the high court, submitted that the National Education Policy clearly states that no language should be imposed on any state.
Justice Nagarathna then asked the Tamil Nadu government: "You don't want Hindi, but if it's Sanskrit, what is the issue?"
The state's counsel replied that the third language becomes compulsory only from Class 9.
Responding to this, Justice Nagarathna said: "No, that's very bad. Class 9 is very stressful. Why do you introduce a new language in Class 9? Why don't you introduce it in Class 6th."
Recalling her school days, Justice Nagarathna said students had the option of choosing the third language in Class 9.
She said students in her school began learning the third language during middle school.
"It was Kannada for those who had a second language as Hindi and vice versa. Sanskrit was also there, so you could have a third language. The earlier, the better," she observed.
Justice Nagarathna also questioned the Tamil Nadu government's opposition to Central schemes merely because they originated from the Union government.
"You may have your education system, but don't prevent the Central government schools⦠You should not have this attitude that it is the Union government scheme, so why should we accept it," she said.
The bench noted that discussions between the Centre and the state over establishing Navodaya schools were still underway.
"Talks have not concluded. If that fails, then only a question of us addressing any merits arises," the bench observed.
The state's counsel sought additional time to obtain further instructions.
The bench also noted that a new dispensation had come to power in the state and observed that it remained to be seen what policy approach the new government would adopt.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 11.
The Tamil Nadu government has challenged the Madras High Court's 2017 order directing the establishment of a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in every district of the state.
The high court had held that the state's refusal to permit JNVs curtailed students' right to choose educational institutions and was inconsistent with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
The Supreme Court stayed the high court's directions on December 11, 2017, after the state challenged the ruling.
On December 15, 2025, the apex court modified the stay order and directed the Tamil Nadu government to identify the required land for setting up a Navodaya Vidyalaya in every district within six weeks and submit a report to the court.
The court clarified that the directions were issued solely in the interest of students eligible for admission to such schools in Tamil Nadu. It also directed representatives of the Centre and the state to continue discussions on establishing the schools.
(With PTI inputs)
