On Wednesday, the Supreme Court asked the CBSE to consider granting an exemption from the three-language policy to Class 6 students for the current academic session. A three-judge bench led by Justice Surya Kant adjourned the hearing on the matter until September 17. The Court asked the CBSE to explore the possibility of providing relief to the students.

The bench told Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, "Consider Class 6 for this year... if some relief can be granted to them." Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana were also part of the bench.

**Concerns regarding the three-language policy hearing**
SG Mehta requested the Court to adjourn the hearing on the petitions as Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati was unavailable. However, he assured that the concerned officials would consider the bench's suggestion. The top law officer stated, "We will sit together and apprise you." A senior counsel for one of the petitioners argued that the matter should not be delayed by further adjournments, as students eventually have to take exams and the situation is causing anxiety among parents.

The apex court was hearing petitions challenging the CBSE policy that mandated the study of three languages—including two Indian languages—for Class 9 students starting July 1. On August 20, the Supreme Court had emphasized the need to find a solution to issues arising from the CBSE's three-language policy for Class 9 students, stating that children should not be subjected to any undue pressure. The Court had observed that while there was nothing wrong with implementing the policy, the petitioners' primary concern lay in the manner of its implementation.

**Will the three-language policy be implemented from next year?**
The Supreme Court stated that attention should also be paid to arranging the necessary teachers and resources based on the available languages.
The Court remarked that if the policy is being implemented from Class 6, consideration could be given to providing some relief to this year's students. The Court suggested that the three-language policy could be implemented starting from the next academic session.
A senior counsel for one of the petitioners stated that formulating the syllabus for classes 6 to 8 falls within the purview of the NCERT.
He questioned whether the CBSE possesses the authority or the capacity to prepare a syllabus for this level.
On May 27, the Supreme Court had agreed to hear the petition challenging the policy.
The Court had issued notices to the Centre, CBSE, and NCERT, seeking their responses.
According to the CBSE circular dated May 15, it is mandatory for Class 9 students to study three languages ​​starting July 1.

Of these, at least two languages ​​must be Indian.
Students opting for a foreign language are required to study two Indian languages ​​first; the foreign language can then be chosen as the third language.
A foreign language may also be selected as a fourth—or additional—language.
The CBSE has described this change as a step towards aligning the education system with the NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023.

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