Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court division bench, consisting of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice M G S Kamal, has issued notice to the State government based on a PIL filed by parents and teachers from various CBSE and CISCE schools in the state. The PIL questions certain enactments that make the teaching of Kannada language compulsory in schools.
The plea argues that these enactments negatively impact both students and teachers. For students, it limits their right to study a First, Second, and Third language of their choice, affecting their academic and employment opportunities. For teachers, it jeopardizes the livelihood of those teaching languages other than Kannada.
The petitioners clarify that they have respect for the Kannada language and its heritage but object to its compulsory imposition in schools. They reference an order from the Union of India that clarifies there should be no language imposition under the NEP 2020.
The plea requests the court to declare specific rules unconstitutional and to prevent the implementation of the impugned enactments against CBSE and CISCE schools. Interim relief to stay the implementation is also sought, but the court has deferred the decision until the State government files its statement of objections.
Case Title: Somashekar C & Others And State of Karnataka & Others
Case No: WP 9574/2023
As per Livelaw.in
