Promotion of Hindi in Higher Courts

Promotion of Hindi in Higher Courts

Constitutional Provisions

  • Article 348(1)(a): Proceedings in Supreme Court and High Courts shall be in English language.
  • Article 348(2): Governor of a State may, with President’s consent, authorize the use of Hindi or other official language in High Court proceedings.

Official Language Act, 1963

  • Section 7: Governor, with President’s consent, can authorize the use of Hindi or official state language, in addition to English, for judgments, decrees, or orders. A translation to English is mandatory for judgments in languages other than English.

Cabinet Committee Decision (21.05.1965)

  • Consent of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India is required for proposals related to the use of a language other than English in High Courts.

Authorization of Hindi Usage

  • Hindi usage in High Court proceedings authorized under Article 348(2): Rajasthan (1950), Uttar Pradesh (1969), Madhya Pradesh (1971), Bihar (1972), after Cabinet Committee decision.

Supreme Court Initiatives

  • AI Assisted Legal Translation Advisory Committee formed, chaired by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Abhay S. Oka.
  • Translation Statistics (as of 02.12.2023):
    • Judgments Translated: 31,184
    • Languages: Hindi, Punjabi, Kannada, Tamil, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Bengali, Nepali, Urdu, Assamese, Garo, Khasi, Konkani.

High Courts Collaboration

  • Similar committees in High Courts headed by respective judges.
  • Collaboration for translating e-SCR judgments into 16 vernacular languages.
  • Translation Statistics (as of information received):
    • Judgments Translated: 4,983

Legislative Reply in Lok Sabha

  • Information provided by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Law and Justice; Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. Which article of the Indian Constitution states that proceedings in Supreme Court and High Courts shall be in English language?
    • A) Article 348(2)
    • B) Article 348(1)(a)
    • C) Article 7
    • D) Article 21
    Answer: B) Article 348(1)(a)
  2. Under which constitutional provision can the Governor of a State authorize the use of Hindi or other official language in High Court proceedings?
    • A) Article 7
    • B) Article 348(1)(a)
    • C) Article 348(2)
    • D) Article 21
    Answer: C) Article 348(2)
  3. What is the key requirement mentioned in Section 7 of the Official Language Act, 1963, for judgments in languages other than English?
    • A) President’s consent
    • B) Chief Justice’s consent
    • C) Translation to English
    • D) Cabinet Committee approval
    Answer: C) Translation to English