Mandatory Learning of Kannada in CBSE, CICSE Schools in Karnataka Challenged in HC

The High Court of Karnataka has directed the state government to respond to a petition challenging the mandatory inclusion of Kannada as a language in CBSE and CICSE schools. A group of twenty parents, whose children attend these schools, has approached the court to contest the validity of the Kannada Language Learning Act 2015, the Kannada Language Learning Rules 2017, and the Karnataka Educational Institutions (Issue of No-Objection Certificate and Control Rules) 2022. These regulations make it obligatory for students to learn Kannada as their first, second, or third language.

The petitioners, including individuals like Somashekar C, Srinivas Gaonkar, Geraldine Perpetua Andrews, Aneesha Hussain, and sixteen other parents, all residing in Bengaluru, argue that these enactments unduly infringe upon the rights of schoolchildren in Karnataka. They assert that such compulsory language requirements could significantly impact the academic achievements of students and potentially limit their future educational and employment prospects.

The division bench, comprised of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice M G S Kamal, heard the case and instructed the issuance of notices to the State of Karnataka, Union of India, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CICSE), who are the respondents in this matter.