Page 54 – Official Language
Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)
Key Idea Summary
Core concepts and exam relevance
The Constitution provides a flexible, bilingual language policy balancing:
- Hindi (Devanagari script)
- English
- State regional languages
This ensures national unity + linguistic diversity.
- Article 343 (language of Union)
- Role of English after 1965
- Official Languages Act, 1963
- Language of judiciary
- Classical languages
Constitutional Language Provisions
Part XVII – Articles 343-351
A) Language of Union (Art. 343)
- Hindi in Devanagari script
- English permitted for official purposes
- Numerals: International form
- Parliament can authorize Hindi/English
B) Parliamentary Proceedings
- Both Hindi & English allowed
- Chair can permit regional languages
- Laws published in both languages
- English text authoritative (if conflict)
C) States (Art. 345-347)
- States choose official language(s)
- English may continue
- President can direct Hindi for Centre-State communication
- Minorities protected (Art. 350A)
D) Language of Judiciary
- Supreme Court: English only
- High Courts: English (default)
- Parliament can allow Hindi in specific HCs
- Governor + President consent needed
Three-Language Formula
Education language policy
Hindi
National language (in Hindi-speaking states: another Indian language)
English
Associate official language / Link language
Regional Language
Mother tongue / State official language
Classical Languages of India
Languages with rich literary heritage
📜 Six Classical Languages
2004
2005
2008
2008
2013
2014
Note: 8th Schedule has 22 languages. Classical status is different from scheduled language status.
Language Policy Evolution
Key milestones
Hindi designated official language; English to continue for 15 years
English to continue alongside Hindi after 1965
Southern states opposed Hindi imposition; English continued indefinitely
Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia declared classical
Simulation Lab
Language Policy Explorer
🧪 Language Rules Simulator
Select a scenario to understand language provisions.
Select a scenario to see language rules.
Exam Booster – Practice Questions
Test your understanding
1 What does Article 343 deal with?
Article 343 declares Hindi in Devanagari script as official language of Union. English continues as associate official language.
2 How many classical languages are there in India?
Six classical languages: Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia. Don't confuse with 22 scheduled languages in 8th Schedule.
Memory Hooks & Quick Revision
Key takeaways for exam day
Revision Summary
3 Exam Points to Remember
- 1 Part XVII (Art. 343-351): Union = Hindi + English | States = Their choice
- 2 Judiciary: SC = English only | HC = English (Hindi with authorization)
- 3 Classical languages: 6 (Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia)