Supreme Court dismisses PIL for use of Hindi as one of its official court languages

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions for the constitution of a commission to examine the possible use of Hindi as an official language of the Court.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana observed that such measures cannot be introduced through judicial orders.

“These things do not happen through court orders. They happen as part of reforms, slowly and in a phased manner. Such things we are doing,” said CJI Kant.

CJI Kant also pointed out that the Supreme Court has been introducing services that gradually incorporate the use of regional languages.

"We are now giving a brief description of all the reports in Hindi. We will start with other regional languages. We will maintain the culture. We will respect other regional languages also,” he said. 

“At least constitute a commission. A direction to constitute a commission,” urged the petitioner’s counsel.

“You are asking for a constitutional amendment. How can a court do that?” asked Justice Mohana

“I am asking at least for constitution of the commission,” the petitioner’s counsel persisted. 

The Court, however, was not inclined to entertain the PIL and dismissed it.

Article 348(1)(a) of the Constitution of India states that all proceedings in the Supreme Court and in every High Court shall be in English.

Notably, Article 348 (2) adds that the Governor of a State may, with the previous consent of the President, authorise the use of Hindi or any other language in High Court proceedings. However, no such exception has been carved out for the Supreme Court.

[Live Coverage]