National Education Policy. ''Formulate comprehensive policy for the effective implementation of the constitutional mandate relating to mother tongue-based education''. Supreme Court directs the State of Rajasthan.

Supreme Court of India

Padam Mehta & Another v. State of Rajasthan & Others

Civil Appeal arising out of Special Leave Petition (C) No. 1425 of 2025

Decide on 12 May 2026

Justice Vikram Nath

Justice Sandeep Mehta

IMPORTANT PARAGRAPHS

48. In the absence of an appropriate policy framework, this Court would be failing in its constitutional duty were it to remain indifferent to the continued non-realisation of rights and obligations so clearly envisaged under the Constitution of India.

49. In light of the aforesaid discussion and having regard to the constitutional scheme, the legislative framework, and the policy directives noticed hereinabove, we deem it appropriate to direct the State of Rajasthan to formulate an appropriate and comprehensive policy for the effective implementation of the constitutional mandate relating to mother tongue-based education, particularly in the backdrop of the National Education Policy, 2020. The State shall take necessary measures to recognise and accord due status to the Rajasthani language as a local/regional language for educational purposes and to progressively facilitate its adoption as a medium of instruction, initially at the foundational and preparatory stages of schooling and progressively at higher levels, in a manner consistent with constitutional principles and pedagogical requirements.

SUMMARY AI generated. Ratio Decidendi / Legal Principles

1. Right to Education Includes Meaningful Comprehension Education must be intelligible and understandable to the child. Instruction in an unfamiliar language undermines quality education and constitutional goals.

2. Mother-Tongue Education Has Constitutional Protection Articles 21, 21A, 41, 45, 51A(k) and 350A collectively emphasize accessible, meaningful and inclusive education.

3. Article 19(1)(a) Includes Right to Receive Education in a Language Understood by the Child Freedom of speech and expression includes the right to receive information in a meaningful and comprehensible form. Therefore, education should, as far as practicable, be imparted in the child's mother tongue or language of choice.

4. Quality Education Is a Constitutional Requirement The right to education is not merely access to schooling but access to quality education. Mother-tongue instruction enhances learning outcomes and comprehension.

5. Section 29(2)(f) of the RTE Act Must Be Given Meaningful Effect The statutory mandate that the medium of instruction should, as far as practicable, be in the child's mother tongue is an important component of quality education.

6. State Cannot Defeat Constitutional Rights Through Policy Inaction When constitutional and statutory rights are recognized, executive inaction cannot be used as a justification for non-implementation. Courts can direct the State to formulate appropriate policies.

7. Promotion of Regional Languages Is a Constitutional Goal States must take active steps to preserve and promote regional and local languages in education.