The Supreme Court on Thursday (16 July) expressed concern over introducing a third language at the Class 9 level under the CBSE curriculum, observing that students already face significant academic pressure before board examinations. The Court suggested that if a third language is to be taught, it should begin in middle school and conclude before students reach Class 9.
The observations came during the hearing of the Tamil Nadu government's appeal against a Madras High Court judgment directing the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district of the State.
Background of the Case
Tamil Nadu has challenged the Madras High Court's direction requiring it to facilitate the setting up of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. The State has maintained that the JNV scheme is not compatible with its long-standing two-language policy, under which Tamil and English are compulsory while any additional language remains optional.
The Union Government, on the other hand, has stated that Navodaya schools have been established across most of the country and that Tamil Nadu is the only State where the scheme has not been implemented because the State has not accepted it.
Court's Observations on the Third Language Policy
A Bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan made it clear that introducing a new language in Class 9 may unnecessarily increase the burden on students.
Justice Nagarathna remarked:
"Don't have a new language in 9th standard please. In 5th or 6th standard, you can start the third language. And by 9th standard, it should stop. See the stress they are having. The student in me is still alive."
When informed that the third language becomes compulsory only from Class 9 in CBSE schools, the judge observed:
"That is very bad. In 9th, language is stressful. Why do you introduce a third language in 9th standard? Introduce it in 6th standard."
The Bench also noted that the CBSE policy does not specifically require Hindi as the third language, observing that students may study any third language.
Court Questions Opposition to Navodaya Schools
During the hearing, the Supreme Court also questioned Tamil Nadu's continued opposition to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
Justice Nagarathna observed:
"The Central Government will make all the expenditure. You have to make available only the land. All other States have Navodaya schools. Why are you depriving Tamil Nadu?"
The Court further advised the State not to reject Central educational institutions merely because they are run by the Union Government.
"You may have your education system, but don't prevent Central Government schools in Tamil Nadu."
The Bench noted that discussions between the Union Government and the State Government regarding the establishment of Navodaya schools are still underway and that the outcome of those consultations should be placed before the Court before it examines the dispute on merits.
Court's Decision
Accepting the request made on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Government, the Supreme Court adjourned the matter to allow the State to obtain further instructions in light of the ongoing consultations.
The case has been listed for further hearing on August 11.
Case Details
Case Title: State of Tamil Nadu v. Kumari Maha Sabha
Case Number: SLP (Civil) No. 33459 of 2017
Bench: Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan
Decision Date: 16 July 2026
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