CBSE three-language policy for Class 9 challenged; Supreme Court to hear plea next week

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday said it will hear next week a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) new policy making the study of three languages, including at least two Indian languages, compulsory for Class 9 students from July 1.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, agreed to list the matter after it was mentioned by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi.

Rohatgi described the case as urgent, stating that the petitioners include students, teachers, and parents who are opposing the revised language requirement. He argued that the new rule, which mandates additional language study in Class 9, could create “chaos” and sought an early hearing on Monday.

The Chief Justice, however, noted that the matter would be taken up during the court’s miscellaneous week scheduled for next week.

The challenge pertains to a recent CBSE circular that introduces the compulsory study of three languages for Class 9 students, including at least two Indian languages, beginning from the new academic cycle.

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