Controversial order on medium of instruction challenged

Bangalore, Sep 22 (UNI) The recent controversial order over medium of instruction in primary schools, resulting in a Government Order directing closure of 1,414 schools for violation of GO-199, was challenged in the Karnataka High Court today.

KLE Society's Kannada primary school at Savadatti in Belgaum district filed a writ petition, challenging the order of the DDPI, Belgaum, cancelling the recognition of the school, as students had to suffer in the middle of the current academic year.

School Secretary Fakirappa V Manvi contended that the action of the DDPI was illegal and unconstitutional and hence liable to be struck down.

Mr Justice B S Patil directed the DDPI of Belgaum to inspect the school and submit a report to the court within three weeks.

The petitioner contended that the KLE Society's Kannada primary school at Savadatti had been granted recognition by the Department.

The respondent had issued a showcause notice on May 29 last, falsely accusing the petitioner of teaching in English medium in classes 1 to 4 after taking recognition for teaching in Kannada medium. The petitioner had sent a reply, denying the allegation and asserting that it had not violated the language policy. However, the DDPI had issued the impugned order, dated August 31, withdrawing the recognition granted, without even hearing the petitioner as guaranteed under section 39(1)(a) of the Karnataka Education Act.

UNI XR GD MIR RS2145