Supreme Court Stays Uttarakhand High Court's English Proficiency Directive

The Supreme Court has put a hold on a directive from the Uttarakhand High Court that required the state's election commissioner to assess the English-speaking capabilities of an additional district magistrate. The High Court questioned whether the official's inability to speak English affected their competency in an executive role.

A bench consisting of Chief Justice B R Gavai, Justice K Vinod Chandran, and Justice N V Anjaria heard the case. They deliberated on whether the language barrier posed by the additional district magistrate could hinder effective control in executing positions such as an electoral registration officer (ERO).

The High Court's original order tasked the state election commissioner and the chief secretary with investigating the additional district magistrate's suitability for such executive responsibilities, given the language proficiency issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)