The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday agreed to examine a petition challenging the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) revised three-language policy for Class 9 students. The plea questions the mandate requiring students to study three languages, including at least two Indian languages, beginning from the current academic session. The matter has raised concerns over implementation readiness and educational burden.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, issued notice to the Centre, Central Board of Secondary Education, and National Council of Educational Research and Training seeking their responses. The court declined to grant interim relief, stating that it would take up the matter for detailed hearing in the second week of July after the summer recess.

During the hearing, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the circular was being implemented without adequate preparedness, including the absence of required textbooks. In a connected matter, senior advocate Kapil Sibal contended that the policy raised broader constitutional concerns, including federal principles and the right of students to choose languages freely.

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The Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, opposed any immediate stay on the policy, stating that the matter required detailed examination and could be heard later. The government also maintained that the implementation process would remain subject to the final outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision.

According to CBSE’s circular issued on May 15, the new framework aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. Under the policy, Class 9 students must study three languages (R1, R2, and R3), with at least two being Indian languages, while allowing flexibility in selecting a foreign language as an optional third or fourth language.

Public reactions have also emerged, including from former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai, who urged CBSE to withdraw the circular. He argued that the sudden implementation could create academic pressure on students and parents, particularly in states where language policy remains a sensitive issue, and called for a phased rollout instead of immediate enforcement.

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