New Delhi, July 16 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday urged the Centre and education boards not to introduce a compulsory third language from Class 9, with Justice BV Nagarathna observing that students are already under academic pressure as they prepare for Board examinations while suggesting that any additional language should instead be introduced from Class 6.

"Third language should stop in Class 9, not start in Class 9," Justice Nagarathna said while hearing a case related to the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in Tamil Nadu.

Addressing the Union government, the judge said, "Tell the Union of India to please not do this. Why introduce a third language in Class 9? That is stressful. Why not Class 6?"

The apex court...