Don't introduce a third language in Class 9; it will only increase students' stress: Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed concern over the introduction of a third language at the Class 9 level under the CBSE curriculum, observing that it could place an unnecessary burden on students and suggesting that any additional language should instead be introduced in Classes 5 or 6.

A Bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan orally advised the Union government against introducing a third language in Class 9, noting that students already face significant academic pressure at that stage.

"Union of India, please don't have a third language from Class 9 level. It would unnecessarily increase the stress level of students. If you want to introduce a new language, then please do it at Class 5 or Class 6 level, but not at Class 9 level. Class 9 is full of stress. It starts from Class 8 onwards," Justice Nagarathna remarked, asking the counsel appearing for the Centre to convey the court's views to the government.

The observations came during the hearing of a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court direction to facilitate the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district of the State.

Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the establishment of JNVs, citing concerns over the three-language policy followed by the schools.

While the Bench was not hearing a direct challenge to the CBSE's language policy, it made oral observations on the timing of introducing a third language in schools.

The issue relating to the CBSE's new language policy is being examined separately by another Supreme Court Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant. The Bench had recently declined to stay the CBSE notification while hearing petitions challenging the policy.