AJIMON GANGADHARAN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is a public interest litigation filed for appropriate direction to the State and it's agencies to propagate the local language Malayalam in all communications by the State and it's agencies and to exhibit all advertisements and other boards in Malayalam. We have heard the party in person and Government Pleader for the respondents who has filed a detailed statement on behalf of the State.

(2.) According to the petitioner, the local language Malayalam is dying because there is no encouragement by the Government and it's agencies to propagate the language and to educate the language to the people. The specific prayer in the WP (C) is for direction to the Government and it's agencies to make it compulsory that all advertisements and sign boards exhibited are written in Malayalam language. The petitioner has referred to the report in the Mathrubhoomi Daily dated 29/01/2011 where it is reported that Government has instructed all Local Authorities to renew the licence of commercial establishments only if the place name is written in Malayalam as well as in English. Petitioner's case is that even though he requested the Kochi Corporation Office to give a copy of the Government Order referred to in the Newspaper, he did not get the same. Therefore, according to him, Government has not circulated the order, if any issued, that is reported in the Newspaper. Consequently there is no compliance with the above order.

(3.) In the report filed by the Government Pleader it is stated on behalf of the Government that Government is actively promoting Malayalam being the local language and has appointed a Commission to recommend on the change in the curriculum and if necessary, to introduce Malayalam as a compulsory language upto some level of education in all Schools in Kerala. In view of the positive suggestions made by the Government, we do not think any direction is required to be issued to the Government for the purpose of promotion of Malayalam. In our view, what is important is minimum education in Malayalam to the young generation so that they are atleast able to read and write the language and for this purpose, probably compulsory education of Malayalam language upto a level of studies in the Schools including Central Schools and Self - financed Schools following Central Syllabus is required. It is certainly for the Government to consider the same based on recommendation of the Commission appointed by them. So far as name boards, sign boards, advertisement boards, etc. by commercial establishments, Local Authorities and Government Departments are concerned, Government Pleader submitted that the Government has already issued instruction to the Local Authorities to enforce the Government Order. The Government is directed to ensure that it's orders to write all boards in English and Malayalam are complied with by all the agencies and private parties.