- By Deeksha Gour
- Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tamil Nadu News: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Tamil Nadu government to engage directly with the Centre over its demand to retain the state’s two-language policy instead of raising the issue through public statements. The observation came during the hearing of a case related to the allocation of land for new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), which follow a three-language formula.
A bench of Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan said the matter should not be projected as a language conflict. “Don’t make it into a language issue. We are a federal society. You are part of the Republic,” Justice Nagarathna remarked.
‘Avoid My-State-My-State Attitude’
The court urged a cooperative approach between the state and the Centre. “If you come one step forward, they will also come one step forward. The ‘my-State-my-State’ attitude must be avoided,” Justice Nagarathna said, stressing the need for dialogue rather than confrontation.
Tamil Nadu Raises Objections
Senior advocate P Wilson, appearing for Tamil Nadu, reiterated the state’s objection, stating that JNVs follow a three-language policy while Tamil Nadu has a statutory two-language framework. He argued that the proposed schools were not aligned with the state’s language law.
Responding to this, the bench said the state could place its conditions during consultations. “You can say this is our language policy. They will look into it. They cannot discredit your policy,” Justice Nagarathna said. She also advised the state to formally bring its position to the notice of central government secretaries.
‘View It As An Opportunity’
Justice Nagarathna highlighted Tamil Nadu’s position as a leading industrial and educational state. “After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu has gotten all the glory. It is the largest industrialised state in south India. You grab this opportunity,” she said. She added, “Don’t take it as imposition, it is an opportunity for your students.”
Land Assessment Ordered
The Supreme Court directed authorities to assess the land required for setting up JNVs in each district of Tamil Nadu. However, the bench clarified that this was only an exploratory exercise. “We are only making an exercise. We are not asking you to put a foundation stone today,” the judges said.
Reference To High Court Ruling
The bench also referred to an earlier Madras High Court order, which held that JNVs do not violate the Tamil Nadu Tamil Learning Act, 2006. The High Court had said the state’s blanket refusal restricted students’ rights under the Right to Education Act.
The Supreme Court made it clear that its directions were issued “in the interest of students”.