The Supreme Court is examining the CBSE's three-language policy introduced for ninth-grade students. Under this new policy, students are required to study three languages, two of which must be Indian languages.
This rule was suddenly implemented mid-academic year, starting July 1st, leading to a petition being filed. Active debates took place during the hearing conducted by the bench of the Chief Justice (CJI). The petitioners argued that this rule was imposed without textbooks or qualified teachers, to which the Supreme Court and the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) provided clarifications.
The petitioner's lawyer convincingly presented the practical difficulties faced by the students to the court. He noted that children had been studying material under a different scheme from the fourth to the fifth grade. Introducing this rule in the middle of the semester, without even providing the children with textbooks, creates serious problems. The lawyer also questioned the availability of qualified teachers to teach the new languages, asserting that simply providing online textbooks would not help rural children.
During the hearings, the CJI and ASG discussed several important points that will bring relief to the students. The court stated that if the board introduces a new language, it is obligated to provide corresponding teachers. The ASG, representing the government, confirmed support for the children. It was clarified that only internal assessment will be conducted under this policy. Even if a child fails to pass this assessment in the 9th grade, they will not be held back but will be moved to the 10th grade.
The CJI suggested the possibility of creating a mechanism that would allow residents of South India to study North Indian languages, and vice versa. The Judge acknowledged that concerns about the new rules are natural. He added that if difficulties arise, the court can form an expert committee or issue appropriate directives to the government.