'Language Holds Deep Cultural Significance': Kerala High Court Defers Govt Order Mandating Hindi As Third Language In Lakshwadweep Schools

“..a language holds deep cultural signigicance, and any changes could have serious ramifications” observed the Court

The order was passed by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji in a PIL filed by Ajas Akber, the President of National Students Union of India, Lakshadweep.

The Court had enquired the Lakshadweep Administration whether any study has been carried out into the need and impact of changing the languages. The Counsel for the Lakshadweep Administration informed the Court that no study was done before issuing the order. However, he justified the order on the basis of the National Education Policy 2020, National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage, 2022 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023. The Court said that the National Educational Policy, 2020 only says that in the three languages to be taught in school, 2 of them should be native to India. Further, it is stated in the policy that no language shall be imposed and the choice will be given to the States, regions and students.

The Court said that the order was passed in the manner of an officer order which is meant for routine matters and not for purposed that have fundamental impact on local conditions.

The Court further noted that Arabic is a prescribed subject of study as per Kerala Education Rules, 1959 and Kerala Curriculum Framework. 26 of the total 34 schools in Lakshadweep follows SCERT, Kerala syllabus. The petitioner had also submitted that the Arabic and Kerala pattern is interwoven with local culture and tradition.

In the pleadings, the petitioner had stated that Mahal was the exclusive language of the islanders of Minicoy Island. He contended that the administration was challenging the constitutional rights of a minority community by removing Mahal from the curriculum. In the matter of Arabic, the petitioner contended that it being an international language enabled people studying there to get job overseas especially in Middle East.

The petitioner also pointed out that there are no private or aided schools in the islands and every school will have to follow the order which will resultantly remove Mahi/ Arabic from all schools in the islands.

The plea is moved by Advocates Reena Sharon Suresh, K.P.S. Suresh

Case Title: Ajas Akber P. I. v Union Territory of Lakshadweep and Others

Case No: WP (PIL) 48/ 2025