The Karnataka government has repealed the rule that made Kannada compulsory for undergraduate students. The decision was made in light of the interim order issued by the High Court in this matter. The High Court previously ruled that the state government should not compel students to study Kannada. As per the circular issued by the Karnataka government, students can choose any other language of their choice instead of Kannada. Those who have already taken up the Kannada subject have an option to change now and the attendance will be adjusted to the new language course, as per reports. The circular from the state government was sent to all vice presidents and registrars of public and private universities. The state government made Kannada compulsory for college students in the state on August 7, 2021. Following student and other protests, the state government announced in September that it may soften its stance. A month later, the Karnataka High Court ruled that making Kannada compulsory for students in higher education is a "sensitive issue" that will cause students problems.

Though the government maintained that the order making Kannada language compulsory was in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a petition filed against the order said, “the government orders are contrary to the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of India.