Quick facts
- Law: Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Act, 2024.
- What: 60% of the space on a business Signboard or name plate should be in Kannada; the other 40% can be in any language.
- Who: Commercial, industrial and healthcare establishments in Karnataka, with Bengaluru the main focus of enforcement.
- Court status: The Karnataka High Court called harsh action such as sealing shops untenable and restrained it while the challenge is heard (March 2024, extended October 2024).
- Latest: In December 2025 the state government told the Legislative Council that enforcement is underway.
What the Kannada Signboard rule says
In February 2024 the Karnataka Legislature passed the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Act, 2024. It requires that 60% of the space on name boards of businesses in the state is given to Kannada, with the remaining space free for English or any other language.
The rule builds on a 2018 government circular with the same 60:40 split, and on the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) order that set a compliance deadline of 28 February 2024 for Bengaluru establishments. The law also warned that non-compliance could lead to cancellation of trade licences.
Many people search for this in Kannada as ಕನ್ನಡ ನಾಮಫಲಕ (Kannada name board).
Where the court challenge stands
- 18 March 2024: The Karnataka High Court, hearing a petition by the Retailers Association of India, said the 60% rule is prima facie untenable and directed the state not to take precipitative action, such as sealing, against shops. (South First)
- 23 October 2024: The High Court extended that interim protection and listed the case for further hearing. (LiveLaw)
- 12 December 2025: The Kannada and Culture Minister told the Legislative Council that enforcement is underway and that a deadline would be fixed for establishments that do not comply. (Deccan Herald)
In short: the law is on the books, the court has stopped harsh action while it decides the challenge, and the government is still pushing compliance. The simplest way to avoid trouble is to give Kannada clear prominence on your board.
Who should follow it
- Shops, showrooms, malls and restaurants across Karnataka
- Offices, including the registered office of a PVT. LTD. Company, LLP or OPC in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru or Hubballi
- Hospitals, clinics and labs
- Proprietorship and Partnership firms running any commercial premises
The right Kannada Signboard format
| Line | What to show |
|---|---|
| 1 (largest) | Business name in Kannada script |
| 2 | Business name in English |
| 3 | Registered office address (Companies and LLPs) |
| 4 | CIN / LLPIN and GSTIN, where applicable |
Our Signboards print the Kannada name in a larger font than the English name, and Kannada digits stay in Kannada. If your landlord, mall or local authority asks for a strict 60% space split, check the preview carefully before you approve it. Nothing is made until you approve the preview.
Companies and LLPs: two laws on one board
- Companies Act, 2013, Section 12(3)(a): the Company Name and registered office address must be displayed outside the office, and in the local language too where it uses a different script. See Importance of Section 12.
- Karnataka's 2024 law: Kannada given prominence, 60% of the board.
The same board appears in the registered office photograph for the annual return (MGT-7 / MGT-7A). GST-registered businesses must also show their GSTIN under CGST Rule 18; see GST Signboard Rules.
Common mistakes on Kannada Signboards
- Kannada name smaller than the English name
- Kannada written in English letters instead of Kannada script
- Spelling errors by printers who do not read Kannada
- Company boards missing the registered office address or CIN
- GST-registered businesses missing the GSTIN
Get your Kannada Signboard right the first time
Type your name in Kannada and English on our Signboard page and see a free live preview instantly. No app, no sign-up.
- 3-In-1 Compliance Signboard for Companies and LLPs: Rs.1,800/- (All Inclusive)
- GST Signboard for Proprietorship and Partnership firms: Rs.1,800/- (All Inclusive)
Just registered your PVT. LTD., LLP or OPC in Karnataka?
Most customers choose the Compulsory Compliance Combo Kit: 3 Pre-Inked Rubber Stamps + 1 Kannada and English Signboard in one order. Save Rs.400.
Rs.3,200/- (All Inclusive) · View the Compliance Combo Kit →
Frequently asked questions
Is 60% Kannada on Signboards mandatory in Karnataka?
The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Act, 2024 requires 60% of a business Signboard to be in Kannada. The Karnataka High Court has restrained harsh action such as sealing shops while a challenge is heard, but the state says enforcement is underway.
Can my Signboard still have English?
Yes. English or any other language can use the remaining 40% of the board. Kannada should be the more prominent language.
Does the rule apply to a Company's registered office in Bengaluru?
It applies to commercial establishments, which includes offices. A Company's board must also meet Section 12 of the Companies Act, 2013, which requires the name and address in the local language where it uses a different script.
What happens if I do not comply?
The law allows licence action, but the High Court has stopped precipitative action such as sealing while it hears the case. Rules can change quickly, so check with BBMP or your local authority.
How do I check my Kannada spelling?
Type your name in Kannada on our free Signboard preview and review it before ordering. Nothing is made until you approve the preview.
Related reading
- Marathi Signboard Rule in Maharashtra
- Company Stamps & Signboards in Bangalore
- Is a Registered Office Signboard Mandatory?
- Free Signboard Preview Tool
Visit https://rubberstampwala.in
This article is for general awareness and is not legal advice. The Kannada Signboard rule is under challenge in the Karnataka High Court, so please confirm the current position with your local authority or a professional.