The Supreme Court has ruled that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) must exempt sixth-grade students from adhering to the trilingual education policy, which requires them to choose two Indian languages.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with judges Joymalya Bagchi and Vi Mohana, had previously approached the CBSE requesting a review of the decision to introduce this policy starting this year. However, it was now ordered that this policy will only apply to sixth-grade students starting from the next academic year.
During the hearings, one lawyer pointed out that study materials are available exclusively in the form of digital textbooks and online formats, creating difficulties for students. In response, Judge Mohana asked: 'Did students not study during the Covid pandemic when learning was conducted online? Every child, even those with help at home, had a phone. Provide a more substantial reason.'