On 9th June 2025, the Kerala High Court deferred the implementation of an office order by the Lakshadweep administration that mandated Hindi as the third language in schools. The order excluded Arabic and Mahl, which were previously available as language options.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Ajas Akber P.I., President of the National Students Union of India (Lakshadweep Unit). The petitioner challenged the order dated 14 May 2025, claiming it was issued without consultation or study, and could affect the local culture and education system.
"A language holds deep cultural significance, and any changes could have serious ramifications,"
— Kerala High Court
The court noted that 26 out of 34 schools in Lakshadweep follow the SCERT Kerala syllabus, under which Arabic is a prescribed subject. The petitioner submitted that Arabic and the Kerala pattern are deeply interwoven with the island's cultural identity and removing them would cause harm.
For Minicoy Island, the plea argued that Mahl is the exclusive language of its people. Removing Mahl, the petitioner said, undermines the constitutional rights of the local minority community. It was also highlighted that Arabic plays a vital role in overseas employment, especially in Middle Eastern countries.
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The High Court enquired whether any study or consultation was carried out before issuing the order. The Lakshadweep administration admitted that no such exercise was conducted. They tried to justify the change using the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and related frameworks, but the court observed:
"The National Education Policy, 2020 does not impose any language. It states that two out of three languages must be native to India, and the choice remains with states, regions, and students."
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Criticizing the manner of issuing the order, the court remarked that an office order is meant for routine administrative tasks and not suitable for fundamental policy changes affecting local communities. The court found that the decision lacked transparency, reasoning, and stakeholder consultation.
“The impugned directive is a mere office order, issued without study or application of mind to local conditions.”
— Kerala High Court
Since the new academic year began on 9th June, and some schools were already affected, the court continued the interim order that paused the implementation. It also clarified that the current position — allowing Arabic and Mahl — would remain in place for now.
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"It is open to the Union Territory to conduct a study... and engage with all the stakeholders through a meaningful consultation."
— Kerala High Court
The PIL was moved by Advocates Reena Sharon Suresh and K.P.S. Suresh. The case is titled Ajas Akber P. I. v Union Territory of Lakshadweep and Others (Case No: WP (PIL) 48/2025).
The matter remains pending, and the court left open the possibility for the administration to revisit the issue after proper consultation and localized study.
