"When You Are In Karnataka, You Should Display Signboards In Kannada Language": High Court Orally Observes In Plea By Retailers Association

The Karnataka High Court today expressed disinclination towards allowing a petition moved by Retailers Association of India, questioning the State's direction asking businesses and establishments to display 60% of the names on signboards, in Kannada language.

The State had issued a circular to this effect on February 26, 2024, following amendments to the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022 

A single judge bench of Justice Hemant Chandangoudar orally said, “When you are in Karnataka, you should display the signboards in Kannada language.” The judge also mentioned about activities of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a Pro-Kannada organization located in the state.

Significantly, the matter was first heard by Justice M Nagaprasanna in March, on an urgent motion. The single judge had then directed the State not proceed with the implementation of the Circular. "...if 60 percent of the boards are not in Kannada, those business establishments or undertakings would be sealed down. This prima facie is untenable," the bench had observed on March 18.

Today, the matter was heard by Justice Chandangoudar shortly after 4 pm. The Association's counsel then sought an early hearing on Monday citing apprehension of "movement" on Karnataka Rajyotsava Day on November 01.

Though the Court refused to accede to the request and adjourned the hearing by two weeks, it extended the interim order of March 18.

The Association has approached the High Court calling in question a legislation of the State, namely Karnataka Language as Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Act 2024. It seeks to declare that Sections 17(6), 23 and 27 of the Act as unconstitutional, violative of fundamental rights of the petitioners and violative of Trademarks Act.

The Association submitted that a similar attempt by way of amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act was also struck down by the High Court back in June 2009.

Case Title: RETAILERS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA & Others AND STATE OF KARNATAKA & Others.

Case No: WP 7525/2024