DHNS
 
Bangalore, Sep 19: The Karnataka High Court on Monday directed the State Government not to insist on taking up Kannada as a subject to those it had already granted exemption.

The Court also said that those students who had opted for alternate English instead of Kannada may be permitted to continue with their course and the State Government shall conduct examination for the same. Several students who had shifted to the State syllabus from both ICSE and CBSE schools had questioned the government circular dated May 25 in which it was stated that students who change over to the State syllabus (SSLC) have to compulsorily take up Kannada as one of the subjects.

However the students claimed that they had changed over to the state syllabus in 2004 itself, much before the circular had come into force. It was also contended that they were granted exemption from taking up Kannada and opted for alternate English instead. 
 
It was stated that they would be put to great hardship if they were asked to switch over to Kannada at this juncture since they had completed half the course. The Court upheld their contentions.

Acid attack

A public interest litigation seeking various directions to investigate the cases related to acid attack came up for hearing before the Karnataka High Court on Monday.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph and Justice K Bhakthavatsala ordered issue of notice to the State Government among others. An NGO claiming to be working for the cause of victims of acid attack in its petition has sought a direction to the police to get the acid attack cases investigated by an officer not below the rank of sub-inspector of police. The petition also sought better medical facilities in both private and government hospitals for the victims of the acid attack.