SC refuses to stay CBSE three-language policy, Centre asked to reply in 10 days

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 14) refused to stay the CBSE's three-language policy, which was introduced for the 2026-27 academic year. The apex court posted the petitions challenging the scheme for hearing next week.

Interim relief with regard to the policy was turned down by the bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana.

SC refuses interim stay

During the hearing, the CJI observed, "Learning of language never goes to waste." When Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued that teachers could lose their jobs because of the policy, the CJI responded, "If dismissed, we can reinstate,” reported Live Law.

Also Read: CBSE three-language policy sparks political row over Hindi imposition fears in South

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati sought two weeks to file a reply. However, the Court directed that the response be filed within 10 days and issued notice on the fresh petitions.

Centre gets time to reply

The petitioners argued that the revised policy requires Class 9 students to study two Indian languages, forcing many to discontinue languages they have been learning since Class 5.

They also contended that English is treated as a non-native language and pointed to the lack of teachers and textbooks for several Indian languages.

Petitioners raise concerns

Senior Advocate Anand Grover submitted that the CBSE circulars lacked legal authority.

"The circulars are without authority of law. Only NCERT has authority, not CBSE. They are imposing languages without giving options. No teachers, no books are available if I want to learn Punjabi instead of Sanskrit. As a child, I must have the opportunity to learn a language which will give me employment," he argued.

Also Read: CBSE revises class 9, 10 language policy, three-language rule mandatory from 2026-27

Sankaranarayanan said later circulars had not resolved the core issues and objected to English being classified as a "non-native" language.

"They have taken a 300-year-old language and treated English as a non-native language," he submitted.

Teachers, books in focus

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi highlighted the practical difficulties for students already studying foreign languages. "A student of Class 9 who is studying French till date is told to take up a third language... Which school in Delhi can provide a teacher who can teach?" he argued.

Also Read: Three-language policy leaves students, parents, educators under stress | AI With Sanket

Seeking a stay, Sankaranarayanan said schools lacked both teachers and textbooks. "Only three books, not 22... This is damaging the status quo," he submitted.

The Court also heard submissions on behalf of the intervenor and former Maharashtra minister Fauzia Khan, who argued that the policy was affecting students' mental health, particularly those from economically weaker sections.