Supreme Court Flags Stress of Introducing Third Language in Class 9 Under CBSE Curriculum

Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, citing objections to the three-language policy followed by these schools. Although the validity of the CBSE three-language policy was not directly under consideration in the case, Justice Nagarathna made significant observations regarding the timing of introducing an additional language to students.

The CBSE three-language policy is also being challenged separately through public interest petitions before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The Bench has refused to stay the implementation of the policy and has scheduled the matter for hearing next week.

During Thursday's hearing, counsel appearing for the Tamil Nadu government submitted that the state's primary objection was related to the three-language policy. Justice Nagarathna clarified that the policy does not specifically require Hindi as the third language.

"The State language has to be taught, English has to be taught, and any third language. It does not say Hindi," Justice Nagarathna observed.

Advocate G. Priyadarshini, appearing for the respondent NGO petitioner before the High Court, stated that the National Education Policy clearly provides that no language should be imposed on any state. Responding to the submission, Justice Nagarathna asked the state government, "You do not want Hindi, but if it is Sanskrit, what is the issue?"

Counsel for the Tamil Nadu government replied that the third language becomes compulsory only from Class 9. Responding to this, Justice Nagarathna said that introducing a new language at that stage was not appropriate.

"No, that is very bad. Ninth standard is stressful. Why do you introduce a new language in 9th? You introduce it in 6th," she said.

Recalling her own educational experience, Justice Nagarathna said that students in her school began learning a third language during middle school because it was required for the SSLC examination.

"In middle school, the third language was started because that was required for SSLC. It was Kannada for those who had second language as Hindi and vice versa. Sanskrit was also there, so you could have a third language. The earlier, the better," she stated.

Addressing the Union government, Justice Nagarathna further advised against introducing a third language in Class 9. She said that CBSE, ICSE, and state board Class 10 examinations create academic pressure among students from the end of Class 8 itself.

"Union of India, please do not have a third language in 9th standard. CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards-Class 10 is a board examination. From the end of Class 8 onwards, the pressure starts," she observed.

Recalling her academic years in the 1970s, Justice Nagarathna said students were introduced to Class 10 concepts as early as Class 8 to prepare them for board examinations.

"So if we had that kind of preparation and all, what about today's students? Do not start a new language in 9th. Start it in 6th. I am recalling my experience from 1976," she said.

Justice Nagarathna also advised the Tamil Nadu government not to reject central government schemes merely because they originate from the Union government.

"You may have your education system, but do not prevent the Central government schools," she told the state government. She further added, "Do not have this attitude that it is the Union government, so why should we accept it."

The Bench, comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan, noted that discussions between the Union government and the Tamil Nadu government regarding the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas were still ongoing.

"Talks have not concluded. If that fails, then only a question of us addressing the merits arises," the Bench observed.

The respondent informed the court that despite an earlier direction requiring the Tamil Nadu government to identify land for establishing the schools within six weeks, the state was now seeking additional time. The state government requested another six weeks to obtain necessary instructions.

The Supreme Court's observations have brought renewed focus on the implementation of language policies in schools, particularly regarding the academic burden on students preparing for crucial board examinations. The hearing also highlighted the ongoing discussions between the Union government and Tamil Nadu over the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and the broader debate surrounding language education policies.