SC urges CBSE to rethink three-language policy for Class 6

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to revisit its three-language policy, suggesting a possible reprieve for Class 6 students this year. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said the policy could be introduced from next year instead. The court emphasised that children should not come under pressure and asked the government to consider building adequate human resource infrastructure for language options.

Justice Bagchi expressed serious reservations about the term 'native' in the policy, calling it 'colonial' and preferring 'indigenous'. He questioned whether English can be considered a non-indigenous language given its deep roots in Indian society. The court also noted that CBSE has options of 23 languages and said there should be no inferiority complex regarding regional languages. The bench suggested forming an expert committee to address difficulties in implementation.

The court was hearing petitions challenging CBSE's mandate requiring Class 9 students to study three languages including at least two native Indian languages from July 1. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said thousands of experts were consulted and that 99.19% of CBSE schools already comply with the two native language requirement. The court posted the matter for further hearing after 10 days.