Supreme Court asks CBSE to consider implementing 3-language policy for Class 6 from next year

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The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the CBSE to consider implementing its policy mandating the study of three languages, including two native Indian languages, for Class 6 students from the next academic session starting 2027. File | Photo Credit: S. Subramanium

The Supreme Court on Thursday urged the Union government to make the three-language policy mandatory for Class 6 from January 1, 2027, rather than “springing a surprise” on the current batch when there is hardly four months left for the year to end.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was reacting to the Centre’s reluctance to change its position to start the policy with the current batch of Class 6. The court said its suggestion was based on logistics and balance of convenience for both students and families.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi, on the Bench with Justice V. Mohana, said the court’s suggestion to delay the policy implementation in Class 6 was made on the basis of logistics and balance of convenience.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, agreed to take the court’s suggestion to the government for reconsideration of its position on the issue.

“We are not standing in the way. We are only saying that instead of springing a surprise on this batch of students, start from the first of January… We are not on a point of law, but on a point of comfort. You can start with children who come into January 1, 2027. It is only four months more,” Justice Bagchi reasoned.

Chief Justice Kant said the government could use the time to come up with incentives for the children to embrace the study of a third language in school.

“The only incentive for them would be to go and play rather than learn a language,” Justice Bagchi said lightly.

The judge said the policy was envisaged in 2020. “Push it to 2027 so that everyone comes to terms with the scheme,” Justice Bagchi said.

Taking up on the CJI’s suggestion, Justice Mohana said the new language could be taught in a lively and engaging manner that would naturally pique the interest of the children. Language, Justice Mohana indicated, should be learnt in an organic manner.

Initially, Ms. Bhati submitted that the policy should start with Class 6 this year itself. “We have already given relaxation to Classes 7, 8, 9 and 10. The present Class 6 would face the Board exam only after four years,” she submitted.

But the Bench held its ground with Justice Bagchi responding, “Class 7 will face the Board exam only after three years, so? Just because you have stated that Class 6 should be included, it should be included? Give some breathing space”.

Towards the end of the hearing, the court even suggested that the government could make the third language optional for the current Class 6 batch, but implement on a mandatory basis only from January 1, 2027.