The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Tamil Nadu government to identify suitable land for establishing Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in every district within three months, ANI reported.
A bench comprising Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Augustine George Masih passed the direction while hearing Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking recall of the Court’s December 15, 2025 order.
The bench refused to recall its earlier order and directed the state to comply with the direction to identify the required extent of land for setting up the schools. The Court clarified that the present direction concerns identification of land and not its acquisition. The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 14.
Tamil Nadu’s Opposition
Tamil Nadu has opposed the establishment of Navodaya schools in the state, citing concerns over their language policy. The state follows a two-language policy of Tamil and English, while Navodaya Vidyalayas follow a three-language formula that includes Hindi.
During the hearing, senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, appearing for Tamil Nadu, said discussions between the Centre and the state over the issue had not made progress. The state also raised financial concerns.
SC Calls for Change in Approach
The bench stressed the need for dialogue between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over the language issue. Justice Nagarathna observed that Hindi could not simply be excluded from being taught in Tamil Nadu.
The Court also emphasised cooperative federalism and said the establishment of Navodaya schools should be viewed as an additional educational opportunity for students rather than an imposition on the state.
Centre to Bear School Costs
The Centre told the Court that Tamil Nadu’s primary responsibility would be to provide suitable land for the schools. The Central government would bear the cost of construction, infrastructure and running the institutions.
The Centre also indicated that there was scope for discussions on the language issue, including the possibility of Tamil being used as a medium of instruction up to Class 8.
Court Directs Centre, State to Hold Talks
The Supreme Court directed senior officials of the Central and Tamil Nadu governments to hold fresh discussions to resolve differences over the establishment of Navodaya schools and related policy issues.
The case originated from a petition filed by Kumari Maha Sabha before the Madras High Court. In September 2017, the High Court directed Tamil Nadu to establish Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in all districts. The state challenged the order before the Supreme Court, where the matter has remained pending.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are residential, co-educational schools run by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti under the Union Education Ministry. The scheme is aimed at providing quality education to talented students, particularly those from rural areas.
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