JOIN USThe petitioner, the City based Modern English School management, had sought the consent of the Advocate General to file a criminal contempt petition against the minister.
Holla rejects
The minister had reportedly said: “The State will not permit English Medium Schools let whatever be the decision of the Apex Court.”
Uday Holla, rejecting the permission in a letter said ,“A perusal of newspaper clipping produced indicates that there will be no change in the stance of the Government on imparting primary education in Kannada. He has merely indicated the policy decision of the State government, which does not amount to criminal contempt.”
The Advocate General further said that the Minister is entitled to speak about the policy of the State Government, even if it be contrary to judgment of the High Court, especially when the appeal is filed against the Judgment of the High Court.
Suggesting that the petitioner can file a civil contempt petition, the Advocate General said “the Minister is entitled to air his views about the policy the State intends to take.”
As per Section 15 of the Contempt of Court Act, any private party intending to file a contempt case needs to obtain consent from the Advocate General.