Justice BV Nagarathna headed the bench that heard Tamil Nadu’s challenge to a central directive mandating Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across all districts.
Tamil Nadu, citing its two‑language policy that centers on Tamil and English, argues the three‑language model would give Hindi undue prominence, a point raised by senior advocate Jaideep Gupta.
The Supreme Court held that the scheme itself does not violate state law and urged the state to engage with the Centre, echoing the Union’s claim that instruction in non‑Hindi states will be primarily in the regional language or English.
The Court gave Tamil Nadu a 90‑day window to meet the earlier order, to identify suitable land for the schools, and to convene further talks, with a follow‑up hearing slated for December 14.
For families in Tirunelveli, the decision means the promise of a JNV could finally bring a free boarding school that offers higher‑level coaching, a prospect that has kept parents hopeful amid past delays.