**Karnataka High Court Sets Deadline for Government Response on Kannada Teaching PIL**
The Karnataka High Court has mandated the state government to submit its objections within three weeks regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that contests the compulsory teaching of Kannada in schools. This PIL was initiated by parents of students enrolled in CBSE and CISCE schools throughout Karnataka.
During a hearing on the PIL, which was filed in 2023, the bench comprising Acting Chief Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice C M Joshi expressed concern over the government’s lack of response for over two years. The court warned, “Gear up your machinery, otherwise we will consider the application for interim relief.”
The petition challenges several legislative measures, including the Kannada Language Learning Act of 2015, the Kannada Language Learning Rules of 2017, and the Karnataka Educational Institutions (Issue of No Objection Certificate and Control) Rules of 2022. It references a prior High Court ruling that suspended similar government mandates for Kannada in degree programs and highlights a clarification from the Union of India indicating that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 does not endorse the imposition of any language.
The petitioners argue that these laws infringe upon students’ rights to select their first, second, and third languages. They contend that the mandatory imposition of Kannada could adversely affect academic performance and future job prospects, as well as jeopardize the livelihoods of teachers who instruct in languages other than Kannada. Furthermore, they assert that these regulations exceed the authority granted by the Karnataka Education Act of 1983, particularly Rule 6(1) of the NOC Rules, which they claim is improperly applied to CBSE and CISCE institutions.
While the petitioners do not oppose the teaching of Kannada, they object to its compulsory nature, asserting that it contravenes constitutional principles. As of now, the court has not granted any interim relief and has issued notices to both the state and central governments regarding the matter.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the main issue being challenged in the Karnataka High Court?**
A: The main issue is the mandatory teaching of Kannada in schools, which parents argue violates students’ rights to choose their languages.
