29 Jun, 2024
Karnataka HC Denies PIL Seeking Mandatory Kannada Language in Govt Correspondence
The Karnataka High Court, on Friday, dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directives for conducting government correspondence at all levels in the Kannada language.
During the hearing of the PIL filed by Gurunath Vadde, a division bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravinda of the Karnataka High Court remarked that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for mandating the use of a single language in government affairs.
“The Kannada language, which is the local language in the state, must be promoted and given importance. However, that alone does not justify entertaining the present public interest litigation by directing the government and its officials to use the Kannada language,” the court said.
The petitioner's counsel argued that residents in rural areas of the state primarily understand and communicate in Kannada. Therefore, they should have the right to receive government correspondence in Kannada to avoid difficulties in communication with government officials.
“Wherever necessary, the use of the English language alongside Kannada cannot be discontinued. There cannot be a universal formula as to whether one language should exclusively be used in governmental affairs,” the court said.
Before concluding the petition, the court also expressed its expectation that the government and its officers would make every effort to extensively use the Kannada language, thereby preserving the cultural and linguistic heritage of the people of Karnataka.
This observation is particularly significant, coming just a week after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of residents in the state learning Kannada and highlighted the necessity of fostering a "Kannada atmosphere."
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