Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddharamaiah yesterday said Kannada should be used in District Courts. “It would be good if it is used in the High Court as well,’’ he said after honouring Judges who pronounced judgments in Kannada and Public Prosecutors who argued cases in Kannada in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

“Verdicts in the High Court should also be in the local language Kannada so that the litigants can understand easily,” the CM said. Steps will be taken to remove technical shortcomings faced at present at High Court to pronounce the verdict in Kannada and Kannada Development Authority (KDA) will look into it and suggest ways to facilitate delivery of verdicts in Kannada language, he added.

He said that from next year, the Advocates who present their arguments in Kannada language will also be felicitated because it helps the Judge to write his verdict in the local language.

“At Government level, all steps will be taken and the Government will consider the recommendations of KDA in this regard,” he said. Kannada has also acquired cultural status and the Government will strive for development of the language.

The Chief Minister, who had practiced as advocate before entering politics, said that he had also argued some cases in Kannada. Public Prosecutors and document maintainers who use Kannada language also should be recognised.

“It is important for clients to understand the judgment. Moreover, since the administrative language is Kannada, it is good if judgments, records and arguments are in that language.”

Law Minister T.B. Jayachandra said that the Government prefers those who know Kannada in appointments to Courts.

Only 10 percent of the litigants go on appeal in High Court against the verdict of lower Courts and it is correct for lower Courts giving verdicts in Kannada language. During recruitment of staff for lower Courts also the Government will give preference to candidates who know Kannada, he said.

Around 69 Judges and 19 Prosecutors from various parts of the State had gathered at the event. They were given away a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 and a citation.