Shops and Establishments are directed to display the sign boards by giving prominence to Kannada

The civic body of Bengaluru, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has made it mandatory for all the establishments in the civic body jurisdiction to display sign boards with regard to their names, and other details, by giving prominence to Kannada language. As per the direction, establishments have to ensure that their signboards have at least 60 per cent Kannada. The establishments have been given a time period of up to 28^th February, 2024, to comply with the said direction.

It is pertinent to note that Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, in its “BBMP Outdoor Signage and Public Messaging By-laws, 2018”, which was published vide notification dated 19^th September, 2018, had specified the above said condition.

Also, Rule 24-A of the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Rules, 1963, makes it obligatory for the employer to exhibit the name board of the establishment in Kannada, and wherever other languages are also used, the versions in such other languages shall be below the Kannada version. The rule further states that the name Board in Kannada version shall be written more predominantly by providing more space than for other languages, if any.

In addition to this, The Karnataka Employers’ Association (KEA), vide circular dated 28^th December, 2023, has advised the employers to take immediate steps to change the sign boards displayed, either in the front of their establishments or at the conspicuous places at the establishment which are visible to the general public. The establishment should respect local sentiments and conform to the guidelines issued by the authorities for displaying sign boards.