Chennai: The Supreme Court has directed the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government to jointly deliberate and take a decision on establishing Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in the State.

The direction came while hearing an appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a 2017 Madras High Court order that permitted the establishment of JNVs in all districts of the State.

The High Court, acting on a petition by Kumari Maha Sabha, had held that the schools would not violate the Tamil Learning Act, 2006, and directed temporary accommodation for 240 students in each district. The State government later moved the Supreme Court, which stayed the order in December 2017. The matter remained pending for years.

A Bench of Justices P.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan took up the case on Monday. Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Priyadarshini said JNVs across the country have consistently demonstrated strong academic outcomes.

She submitted that 14,183 JNV students appeared for NEET last year, of whom 11,875 qualified for medical admissions. The schools have recorded a Class 10 pass percentage of 98-99 and Class 12 pass percentage of 96-98 over the past decade, she added.

The counsel argued that Tamil Nadu students have been deprived of the benefits of the JNV system and urged the court to uphold the High Court's order.

Observing that “education is in the Concurrent List”, the Bench said the Centre and the State must arrive at a joint decision on the issue.

The court posted the matter for further hearing on December 15.