Google apologises for showing Kannada as 'ugliest language', plea in Karnataka HC withdrawn
In June 2021, several users pointed out that Kannada popped up as the result if one searched for the phrase “ugliest language in India”.
FollowThe Karnataka High Court on Wednesday disposed of as withdrawn a petition that sought to initiate legal action against Google India after a search on the platform showed Kannada as being the "ugliest language in India."
A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum noted, “The petition has been filed against Google India Private Limited as well as other respondents, stating that on Google some derogatory remark has been made in respect of Kannada language. The petitioner himself has filed copy of the newspaper clipping. The contention of the petitioner is that later on, Google India has tendered apology in the matter in terms of the content displayed on the website, assuring that such incidents will not take place in future,” Bar and Bench reported.
The petitioner, the Anti Corruption Council of India Trust, had sought direction to the company to pay a compensation of Rs 10 crore for causing lowering/tarnishing/defaming the dignity and significance of the Kannada language and the same may be deposited with the Department of Culture and Heritage, Government of Karnataka.
Also watch: Ganesha amid COVID scare: Pandal organizers want BBMP to vaccinate people at markets
Later it was prompted to withdraw the petition after Google India had tendered an apology.
"The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner at this stage prays for withdrawal of the petition with the liberty to take recourse to the other remedies available in law. The PIL is disposed of in the above terms,” the Bench said as quoted by Bar and Bench.
In June 2021, several users pointed out that Kannada popped up as the result if one searched for the phrase “ugliest language in India”. There was much uproar in social media following this and many political leaders from the state too joined in to condemn Google.
NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona
