Supreme Court Urges Tamil Nadu to Engage with Centre on Language Policy Dispute

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court advised Tamil Nadu to engage directly with the Centre regarding its two-language policy rather than discussing the matter through media channels. This guidance came during a hearing about land allocation for new Central schools that would implement the three-language policy.

"Don't transform this into a language dispute. We operate as a federal society. You are part of the Republic. If you take one step forward, they (the Centre) will reciprocate... the 'My-State-My-State' mentality should be abandoned," stated Justice BV Nagarathna, who served on the two-judge panel addressing the case.

This comment followed senior advocate P Wilson's presentation on behalf of Tamil Nadu, reiterating the state's objections that the proposed Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas follow a three-language formula, while the state maintains a statutory two-language policy.

Justice Nagarathna suggested that during consultations, the state could stipulate conditions such as adhering to a two-language policy, instead of the three-language approach implemented by JNVs.

"Following Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation, Tamil Nadu has achieved significant prominence. It stands as the most industrialized state in southern India... Embrace this opportunity. Don't view it as an imposition but rather as an advantage for your students," Justice Nagarathna remarked.

"You can present your language policy. They will consider it. They cannot invalidate your policy. Inform the Central Government secretaries about your Act and your implementation approach. Please maintain a constructive attitude," she added.

The bench, comprising Justices Nagarathna and R Mahadevan, also instructed authorities to determine the land requirements for establishing JNVs across each district in Tamil Nadu.

The court emphasized that today's ordered process was merely exploratory. "We're only conducting an assessment. We aren't directing you to lay a foundation stone immediately," the judges clarified.

In its directives, the court specifically noted that its orders were issued with students' interests as the primary consideration.

Previously, the Madras High Court had determined that Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas would not violate the Tamil Nadu Tamil Learning Act of 2006, and had directed the state to provide temporary accommodations for 240 students in each district within a two-month timeframe.

The court found that the state's categorical refusal restricted students' rights to select educational institutions and conflicted with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act.