The Supreme Court raised concerns over introducing a third language at the Class 9 level under the CBSE curriculum, saying the move could place additional pressure on students preparing for board examinations.
The observations were made by Justice BV Nagarathna during the hearing of the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against a Madras High Court order directing the state to facilitate the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) across all districts.
Court suggests earlier introduction of third language
During the hearing, the Tamil Nadu government reiterated its opposition to JNVs, arguing that the schools follow a three-language policy, which the state has consistently opposed.
Justice Nagarathna clarified that the policy does not make Hindi compulsory 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 informed that the third language becomes mandatory only from Class 9, the judge expressed concern, saying, ‘No, that is very bad. Ninth standard is stressful. Why do you introduce a new language in 9th? You introduce it in 6th.’
Recalling her own school experience, she said students should begin learning an additional language during middle school, giving them enough time before board examinations.
Advice to centre and Tamil Nadu
Addressing the Centre, Justice Nagarathna said, ‘Union of India, please don’t 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 also noted that students today face even greater academic pressure than previous generations and reiterated that introducing a new language earlier would be more practical.
The judge further advised the Tamil Nadu government not to reject Central initiatives simply because they are proposed by the Union government.
‘You may have your education system, but don’t prevent the Central government schools,’ she said, adding, ‘Don’t have this attitude that it is the Union government, so why should we accept it.’
Matter still under discussion
The Bench, comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan, noted that discussions between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government regarding the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are still ongoing.
The court observed that it would consider the legal issues only if the talks fail to produce a resolution. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has sought six more weeks to respond regarding land allocation for the proposed schools.
