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Parents and teachers allege that the state government is indirectly pressuring CBSE and CISCE schools to adopt Kannada by using regulatory mechanisms like NOCs.
The petitioners contend that students should have the right to choose their first, second, and third languages. (Representative/File)
The Karnataka High Court has instructed the state government to explain within three months why Kannada should be a mandatory subject in CBSE and CISCE-affiliated schools. This directive was issued during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging this decision.
The division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice V. Kameswara Rao and Justice C.M. Joshi, expressed dissatisfaction with the government for not responding so far. The court remarked that the government has been inactive for two years. If this continues, the court may consider granting interim relief to the petitioners.
The petition disputes the mandate for compulsory teaching of Kannada as a first or second language in CBSE and CISCE schools, as stipulated by the Karnataka Language Teaching Act, 2015, and its related rules established in 2017. The petitioners argued that this decision infringes on the freedom of language choice, potentially impacting students’ academic freedom and teachers’ employment. According to the rules, schools failing to comply risk having their NOC (No Objection Certificate) revoked, jeopardizing their recognition.
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The petitioners contend that students should have the right to choose their first, second, and third languages. They believe that enforcing Kannada could affect students’ future prospects, especially those preparing for competitive exams or studying in other states. The petition also highlights concerns that teachers unable to teach Kannada may face employment challenges due to the new language policy.
Parents and teachers allege that the state government is indirectly pressuring CBSE and CISCE schools to adopt Kannada by using regulatory mechanisms like NOCs. They argue that this could set a dangerous precedent against academic freedom and parental choice.
The court has given the state government three months to respond. The next hearing will occur only after this period. For now, the court has adjourned the case.
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