Question map
Which law prescribers that all 90. proceedings in the Supreme Court shall be in English langu- age?
Explanation
Article 348 of the Constitution of India specifically prescribes the language to be used in the higher judiciary. According to Article 348(1)(a), until Parliament by law provides otherwise, all proceedings in the Supreme Court and in every High Court shall be conducted in the English language [2]. While Article 348(2) allows the Governor of a State, with the President's consent, to authorize the use of Hindi or other regional languages in High Court proceedings, this provision does not apply to the Supreme Court [3]. Currently, Parliament has not enacted any legislation to change the language of the Supreme Court to Hindi or any other language; therefore, English remains the sole language for its proceedings [4]. Although the Supreme Court Rules are framed under Article 145 to regulate practice and procedure, the fundamental mandate for the English language is derived directly from Article 348.
Sources
- [1] https://doj.gov.in/use-of-hindi-and-regional-languages/
- [2] https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/pdf1/Part17.pdf
- [3] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2042983
- [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language > LANGUAGE OF THE JUDICIARY AND TEXTS OF LAWS > p. 542