The Supreme Court of India is currently reviewing the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) three-language policy, which has sparked a national debate over the classification of English. During recent hearings, the bench questioned the CBSE's decision to label English as a 'non-native' language within its new educational framework. The policy, which mandates that students study three languages—including two native Indian languages—has faced legal challenges from parents and students who argue that the classification is arbitrary and potentially exclusionary.
At the heart of the dispute is the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While the government maintains that the policy promotes national integration and multilingualism, petitioners argue that the sudden rollout has left schools without adequate resources. Reports indicate that textbooks for many of the 22 mandated languages are currently unavailable, and schools are struggling to hire enough teachers to offer a diverse range of language options to students.
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, emphasized that learning a new language is never a waste. However, the court expressed concern over the terminology used in the CBSE circulars. Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the use of the word 'native,' noting that it lacks a clear definition in the Constitution or existing statutes. The court suggested that the nomenclature might require a relook, specifically asking whether English, which has been used in India for over 300 years, could be considered an indigenous Indian language.
Despite the concerns raised, the Supreme Court declined to grant an interim stay on the policy for the current academic session. The court has directed the Centre, the CBSE, and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to file comprehensive responses to the petitions. The matter is scheduled for a detailed hearing next week, where the court will further evaluate the practical challenges of implementation and the legal authority behind the CBSE's directives.