New Delhi, 16 July (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed concern over the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) three-language policy, observing that if a third language is to be introduced, it should begin from Class 6 and conclude by Class 9. The Court said introducing a third language in Class 9 could place unnecessary academic stress on students.

A Bench headed by Justice B.V. Nagarathna made the observation while hearing a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court order directing the state to establish Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in every district.

During the hearing, the issue of CBSE schools was also raised. In response to a query from Justice Nagarathna, a lawyer informed the Bench that CBSE schools have made a third language compulsory from Class 9 onwards.

Justice Nagarathna observed that requiring students to learn a new language at a higher grade level could be particularly challenging and may increase academic pressure.

The Supreme Court's remarks assume significance as several petitions challenging the CBSE's three-language policy are currently pending before the apex court.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar