Can’t English be considered an indigenous Indian language, asks SC
The Supreme Court of India has questioned the CBSE's classification of English as a 'non-native' language within the three-language school scheme. The court expressed concern over the practical feasibility of implementing the scheme given the current shortage of teachers and resources for 22 different languages.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing tension between linguistic nationalism and the practical realities of a globalized education system in India.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) questioned the categorising of English as a “non-native language” by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in the three-language scheme, teaming the tongue spoken in India for over 300 years and used for official communication in at least five States with others like German, Spanish, Arabic, and French.
“Can India consider English as an indigenous Indian language,” Justice Joymalya Bagchi, part of a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, asked.
The latest circular issued by the CBSE on July 10 differentiates between ‘Bharatiya Bhashas’ like Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, etc. from the ‘non-native’ languages. The three-language scheme, which is under dispute, requires Class 9 students to study at least two languages “native to India”.
Justice Bagchi said the term ‘native’ used by the CBSE was loaded with colonial meaning.
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