Third language from Class IX will cause undue stress, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court said introducing a third language at Class IX level would put unnecessary stress on students preparing for board examinations.

A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan made the observation while hearing Tamil Nadu government's appeal against a Madras High Court direction on Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.

Justice Nagarathna said if a third language had to be taught, it should be introduced in Class VI.

The bench clarified the three-language policy does not make Hindi compulsory; the state language, English, and any third language are required.