OFFICIAL LANGUAGE (Articles 343–351) 

CHAPTER I – LANGUAGE OF THE UNION

Article 343 – Official Language of the Union

The official language of the Union is Hindi in Devanagari script, and the numerals used for official purposes are the international form of Indian numerals. However, notwithstanding this provision, English language was allowed to continue for 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution for all official purposes for which it was already in use.During this transitional period, the President is empowered to authorise:

• Use of Hindi along with English
• Use of Devanagari numerals along with international numerals

Further, even after the expiry of 15 years, Parliament may by law provide for:

• Continued use of English language, or
• Use of Devanagari numerals,
  for specified official purposes.

Article 344 – Commission and Parliamentary Committee

The President shall constitute a Commission:

• After 5 years, and then after 10 years from commencement
• Comprising a Chairman and members representing languages of the Eighth Schedule

The Commission’s duty is to recommend:

• Progressive use of Hindi for Union purposes
• Restrictions on English language
• Language for purposes under Article 348
• Form of numerals
• Language for Union–State and inter-State communication

While making recommendations, the Commission must consider:

• Industrial, cultural, scientific advancement of India
• Interests of non-Hindi speaking population

A Parliamentary Committee of 30 members is also constituted:

• 20 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha
• Elected by proportional representation (single transferable vote)

The Committee examines the Commission’s recommendations and submits its report to the President. Based on this, the President may issue directions.

CHAPTER II – REGIONAL LANGUAGES

Article 345 – Official Language of a State

A State Legislature may adopt:

• Any language in use in the State, or
• Hindi,
  as the official language for State purposes.

Until such law is made, English shall continue for official purposes.

Article 346 – Language for Communication

The language authorised for Union official purposes shall be used for:

• Communication between States
• Communication between State and Union

However, if two or more States agree, they may use Hindi for inter-State communication.

Article 347 – Recognition of Language

If a substantial proportion of a State’s population demands, the President may direct that:

• A particular language be officially recognised
• Applicable to whole or part of the State

CHAPTER III – LANGUAGE OF COURTS

Article 348 – Language of Supreme Court, High Courts and Laws

Until Parliament provides otherwise, the following shall be in English language:

• Proceedings in Supreme Court and High Courts
• Authoritative texts of:
  • Bills and amendments
  • Acts and Ordinances
  • Rules, regulations, bye-laws

Exception:

• Governor (with President’s consent)may allow use of:
  • Hindi or any State language in High Court proceedings
• BUT:
  • Judgments, decrees, orders remain in English

Where State laws are in another language:

• English translation published in Official Gazette is authoritative

Article 349 – Special Procedure (First 15 Years)

During the initial 15 years, no Bill related to language (Article 348 matters) can be introduced without:

• President’s prior sanction

The President must consider:

• Commission recommendations (Art 344)
• Committee report

CHAPTER IV – SPECIAL DIRECTIVES

Article 350 – Language for Grievances

Every person has the right to:

• Submit representation for grievance redressal
• In any language used in Union or State

Article 350A – Mother Tongue Education

It is the duty of:

• State and local authorities to provide
• Primary education in mother tongue
  for linguistic minority children

The President may issue directions to ensure this.

Article 350B – Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities

• Appointed by President
• Duties:
  • Investigate safeguards for linguistic minorities
  • Submit reports to President

Reports are:

• Laid before Parliament
• Sent to State Governments

Article 351 – Development of Hindi

It is the duty of the Union to:

• Promote the spread of Hindi
• Develop it as a medium for composite culture of India

Hindi should be enriched by:

• Incorporating elements of Hindustani and other Indian languages
• Drawing vocabulary primarily from Sanskrit and secondarily from other languages

FINAL REVISION CORE POINTS

• Hindi (Devanagari) = Official language of Union
• English continues via law and practice
• President + Parliament play key role
• States have autonomy in choosing language
• Courts use English (dominant)
• Linguistic minorities protected
• Hindi development = Constitutional directive (Art 351)