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Part XVII of the Constitution of India (Articles 343–351) lays down the framework for the official language policy. It declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union, while permitting the continued use of English as provided by law. It establishes a Commission and a Parliamentary Committee on official language, empowers states to adopt their own official languages, regulates inter-governmental communication, prescribes the language of courts and legal instruments, provides special procedures for language-related laws, ensures safeguards and facilities for linguistic minorities, and directs the promotion and development of Hindi.
Articles 343 to 351
Official language of the Union.
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Commission and Committee of Parliament on official language.
Official language or languages of a State.
Official language for communication between one State and another or between a State and the Union.
Special provision relating to language spoken by a section of the population of a State.
Language to be used in the Supreme Court and in the High Courts and for Acts, Bills, etc.
Special procedure for enactment of certain laws relating to language.
Language to be used in representations for redress of grievances.
Facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at primary stage.
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Special Officer for linguistic minorities.
Directive for development of the Hindi language.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the continued use of English provided for?
While Article 343(2) continued English for the first 15 years, Parliament provided for continued use thereafter via law, with the Official Languages Act, 1963 structuring ongoing use alongside Hindi for specified purposes.
What does Article 344 establish?
Article 344 mandates a Commission on Official Language and a Committee of Parliament to recommend on progressive use of Hindi, restrictions on English, language for judicial purposes, numerals, and Union–State communication.
Can States adopt their own official languages?
Yes, Article 345 authorizes State Legislatures to adopt any language(s) in use in the State or Hindi as the official language of the State, subject to constitutional provisions.[3]
What governs language for Union–State and inter‑State communication?
Article 346 governs the language for communication between States and between a State and the Union, following the scheme laid down in Part XVII and relevant laws.
Which language applies to courts and legal texts?
Article 348 specifies the language of the Supreme Court and High Courts and of authoritative texts of Bills, Acts, Ordinances, orders, rules, and regulations, with English designated subject to constitutional and legal provisions.
What are the safeguards for linguistic minorities?
Article 350 ensures the right to submit representations in any language used in the Union or State; Article 350A provides for primary education in the mother tongue of linguistic minority children; Article 350B provides for a Special Officer for linguistic minorities.
What is directed under Article 351?
Article 351 directs the Union to promote the spread of Hindi and to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression of India’s composite culture, drawing on forms and expressions of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.