English medium schools move SC against State government order

An association representing English medium schools in Karnataka have approached the Supreme Court challenging a State government order allowing registration of only those institutions imparting education through Kannada medium in classes I to V.

Bengaluru-based Associated Managements of Government Recognised English Medium Schools in Karnataka contended that the notification issued on November 11, last year was contrary to the apex court's Constitution bench decision of May 6, 2014.

The petitioner association sought contempt action against the State government officials for issuing the direction whereby only Kannada medium schools would get recognition. It also sought stay of the Karnataka High court order of January 9, this year refusing its plea to start contempt action against the State government officials for issuing such a notification. The apex court had on September 9, last also dismissed a review petition against May verdict wherein it was held that the State government does not have a right to impose ‘mother tongue’ of children as a medium of instruction in primary education.

A five-judge Constitution bench presided over by then Chief Justice R M Lodha ruled that the imposition of mother tongue affected the fundamental rights under Articles 19 (freedom of speech and expression), 29 (protection of interest of minorities) and 30 (right of minorities to establish institution) of the Constitution.

“The petitioner-association is entitled to carry on imparting education in English as per the judgment of this court and is being forced to register in terms of the notification and impart education in Kannada medium to students of class I to V.  The new schools are being directed to impart education in the Kannnada medium only for standard I to V,” the petition filed in the Supreme Court said.