Court to consider 'all views' over English in AP govt schools

Supreme court of India has deferred the plea pertaining to Andhra Pradesh government's decision to make English as the medium in government schools from Class 1 to Class 6.

New Delhi: The Supreme court adjourned the hearing by a week on a plea pertaining to Andhra Pradesh government's decision to make English as the medium in government schools from Class 1 to Class 6.

The bench led by the CJI SA Bobde observed that there are divergent points of views on the issue, they themselves have studied in English throughout their lives but won't impose that on others.

The AP government submitted before the court that they have taken a progressive step and the choice of Telugu medium is not taken away.

In case anyone wants their children to study in Telugu medium, they will be accommodated in Mandal schools. An advocate of Andhra Pradesh also informed the court that 96% of the parents want English medium.

Explaining the benefits of the English medium, the advocate said a person studying in English can practice before the top court but a person studying in vernacular language cannot.

The court said that the example may not be appropriate and deferred the hearing for a week.

Earlier in May this year, the state government had ordered English to be the medium in government schools for class 1 to 6. This was struck down by the Andhra Pradesh High court which has been challenged before the top court. SC had issued a notice in the last hearing but no stay has been granted on the HC's order yet.