JUDGMENT

A.K. Patnaik, J. –

Leave granted in S.L.P. (C) No.32858 of 2013. Facts leading to the reference to the Constitution Bench:

2. The Government of Karnataka issued a Government Order dated 19.06.1989 prescribing that “from 1st standard to IVth standard, mother tongue will be the medium of instruction”. On 22.06.1989, the Government of Karnataka issued a corrigendum substituting the aforesaid words in the earlier Government Order dated 19.06.1989 by the following words:

“from 1st standard to IVth standard, where it is expected that normally mother tongue will be the medium of instruction.”

The orders dated 19.06.1989 and 22.06.1989 were challenged before this Court and a Division Bench of this Court in its judgment dated 08.12.1993 in English Medium Students Parents Association v. State of Karnataka & Ors. [(1994) 1 SCC 550] held that the two orders of the Government of Karnataka were constitutionally valid.

3. Thereafter, in cancellation of all earlier orders pertaining to the subject, the Government of Karnataka issued a fresh order dated 29.04.1994 regarding the language policy to be followed in primary and high schools with effect from the academic year 1994-1995. Clauses 2 to 8