Karnataka HC says it can’t tell govt to use only Kannada, discard English; dismisses PIL

BENGALURU: There can be no universal formula that only one language should be used in govt affairs, Karnataka HC has observed in a judgement.
"Wherever it is necessary, use of English language in addition to Kannada cannot be disbanded. The judicial pronouncements, the law reports, statute books and important notifications and out-of-the-state or overseas correspondence with the state authorities are all in English language.There should be a requisite blend of local language and the global language in running the govt's affairs," a division bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind observed in its order, while declining to entertain a PIL seeking for a direction for use of Kannada in all governmental correspondences.
Petitioner Gurunath Vadde, a social worker from Kamalapur in Bidar district, had claimed that in rural areas, it is only Kannada language which is understood by the people.
On the other hand, the govt advocate submitted that there has been extensive use of Kannada language in governmental affairs, correspondences and other communications.
English official language for use in court: HC
The division bench noted which language should be used in govt affairs is essentially a matter of policy, convenience and realism.
"While Kannada, which is a local language in the state, has to be promoted and be given importance, that itself will not justify entertaining the present public interest petition, by directing positively the state govt and its authorities to use Kannada language," the bench added.
"Kannada language may be endeared, at the same time, utility of English language should not be overlooked or discarded. English is an official language for use in the high court under the Constitution," it pointed out.
"At local level, however, it is hoped that the government and the officers, as far as possible, may use, promote and give prominence to the local Kannada language to subserve the culture and the people of Karnataka. It cannot be, but, a universal phenomenon," the division bench further observed, dismissing the petition in its order passed on June 28.