Supreme Court Rules States Cannot Be Compelled to Implement NEP 2020
New Delhi, May 2025 — The Supreme Court of India has made it clear that states cannot be forced to implement the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, ruling that such decisions fall outside its constitutional powers under Article 32.
The bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan delivered the judgment on Friday while dismissing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the governments of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal to implement NEP, including its three-language formula.
No Judicial Mandate on State Policy Decisions
“The Supreme Court, through Article 32, can issue directives to protect citizens’ fundamental rights. However, it cannot directly compel a state to adopt a specific education policy like the NEP 2020,” the court stated.
The bench emphasized the federal structure of India and the autonomy of states in implementing or rejecting central policies. Education is a subject in the Concurrent List, which allows both the Centre and states to make laws on it. However, implementation remains voluntary, especially if it is not tied to constitutional or statutory mandates.
Court May Intervene Only in Case of Rights Violation
The court clarified that it may intervene only if a state’s action or inaction regarding the NEP violates citizens’ fundamental rights or legal protections. But no such violation was evident in this case.
“We do not propose to examine this issue in this writ petition filed under Article 32,” said the bench in its order.
Petitioner’s Standing Questioned
The petition was filed by advocate GS Mani, who requested a directive to enforce the NEP in non-BJP-ruled states. However, the court pointed out that Mani lacks direct standing, noting that while he is from Tamil Nadu, he currently resides in New Delhi.
“The main issue may be examined by this court in an appropriate proceeding but at least not in this particular petition,” the order noted.
Background on NEP and States’ Opposition
The National Education Policy 2020, introduced by the central government, proposes sweeping reforms across all levels of education and replaces the previous policy of 1986. It includes structural changes such as the 5+3+3+4 model, emphasis on foundational learning, and promotion of multilingual education through the three-language formula.
However, several states, particularly Tamil Nadu, have opposed the policy, especially the three-language formula, viewing it as a push for Hindi imposition and an infringement on state autonomy.
