SC Bans NCERT Class 8 Textbook Over Judicial Corruption Reference; CJI Surya Kant Leads Three-Judge Bench on Feb 26

SC Flags CBSE Three-Language Policy for Class 9 from July 2026, Cites Student Pressure & Teacher Shortage

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the CBSE's three-language policy for Class 9 students, emphasizing the need to avoid burdening children. The Court questioned the implementation timeline, teacher availability, and the starting class, suggesting an expert committee to address issues. The policy aligns with NEP 2020.

CBSE 3-Language Policy: SC Informed of Implementation Plan for Class 9 Students

The Supreme Court is reviewing the CBSE's new policy making three languages, including at least two Indian languages, compulsory for Class 9 students. The Centre has informed the court it is working on an implementation plan, addressing concerns about student pressure and infrastructure. This is a key test of the National Education Policy 2020's implementation in schools.

CBSE Mandates Two Bhartiya Bhashas Under NEP 2020 Three-Language Formula from Class 6 (2026-27)

CBSE schools from the 2026-27 academic session must offer two Indian languages (Bhartiya Bhashas) as R2 and R3 under NEP 2020's three-language formula. However, practical roadblocks like teacher shortages, limited language options, and transition issues for existing students threaten effective implementation, with Hindi and Sanskrit becoming default third languages.

CBSE Mandates Three Languages Including Two Native Indian Languages for Class 9 from July 2026

The Centre informed the Supreme Court it is working on implementing the CBSE's three-language policy, making two native Indian languages compulsory for Class 9 from July 2026. The policy aligns with NEP 2020, but faces challenges over implementation timelines and infrastructure, with the SC seeking a balanced solution.

Supreme Court Nine-Judge Bench Revisits 'Industry' Definition: Bangalore Water Supply Case (1978) Under Scrutiny

The Supreme Court's nine-judge bench is set to rule on the definition of 'industry' under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, potentially expanding or contracting labour protections for workers in hospitals, educational institutions, and government welfare schemes. This landmark decision could impact millions of employees and reshape industrial relations law.

SC’s Nine-Judge Bench Split: ‘Industry’ Definition Retains 1978 Triple Test for Pending Cases

A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court delivered a fractured verdict on what constitutes an 'industry' under labour law. The judges agreed that pending cases under the repealed Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 will continue to be decided under the 1978 'triple test' from Bangalore Water Supply case. The new Industrial Relations Code, 2020 must be interpreted independently, and the ruling does not extend the old jurisprudence forward.

Rajya Sabha Passes Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026, Raising Judge Strength to 38

The Rajya Sabha has cleared the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising the apex court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. The Bill replaces a May ordinance, but Opposition MPs questioned the ordinance route and highlighted the persistent diversity deficit in judicial appointments. This is a high-yield Polity topic for Prelims and Mains, with concrete data on SC/ST/OBC/minority/women representation and judiciary infrastructure.

SC Special Bench to Decide OBC Creamy Layer Verdict's Applicability to CSE 2025

The Supreme Court will hear the Centre's plea seeking clarity on whether its March 2026 OBC creamy layer verdict applies to CSE 2025, which was largely concluded before the judgment. This tests the 'rules of the game' doctrine in service law and affects hundreds of OBC candidates' reservation status.