India's top court suggests one-year delay for CBSE three-language rule

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday, September 17, suggested the Central Board of Secondary Education consider a one-year delay in making its new three-language policy mandatory for current Class 6 students, a move aimed at easing logistical and comfort concerns for families. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, indicated the policy could be made compulsory for students entering Class 6 from the 2027 academic session instead. The court emphasized its suggestion was made for student comfort and convenience and was without prejudice to the ongoing legal challenges to the policy's validity. "Give students some breathing space... Just give them reprieve this year," Justice Bagchi told the CBSE's representative, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati. The bench noted the policy was envisaged in 2020 but only implemented in early 2026, and a delay would allow families and schools more time to prepare. The CBSE, which had previously opposed extending relaxations to the current Class 6 batch, told the court it would consider the suggestion.