Language to be used in the Legislature
Article 210 — Language to be used in the Legislature
anything in Part XVII, but subject to the provisions of article 348, business in the Legislature of a State shall be transacted in the official language or languages of the State or in Hindi or in English: Provided that the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Chairman of the Legislative Council, or person acting as such, as the case may be, may permit any member who cannot adequately express himself in any of the languages aforesaid to address the House in his mother-tongue. (2) Unless the Legislature of the State by law otherwise provides, this article shall, after the expiration of a period of fifteen years from the commencement of this Constitution, have effect as if the words “or in English” were omitted therefrom: Provided that in relation to the 2[Legislatures of the States of Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura] this clause shall have effect as if for the words “fifteen years” occurring therein, the words “twenty-five years” were substituted:] Provided further that in relation to the 4[Legislatures of the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Mizoram]], this clause shall have effect as if for
the words "fifteen years" occurring therein, the words "forty years" were substituted.]
Plain English Summary
This article sets the rules for which languages can be used when conducting business in a State's legislative body (like a State Assembly or Council). The legislature must use the official state language(s), Hindi, or English. However, members who struggle to speak those official languages can be allowed to speak in their mother tongue.
Key Points
- Legislative business must be conducted in the official language(s) of the State, Hindi, or English.
- A member who cannot adequately express themselves in the official languages can be permitted to address the House in their mother tongue by the presiding officer.
- This rule will change after 15 years unless a State legislature specifically changes it.
- Specific time limits (15 or 25/40 years) apply differently for certain states.
Why It Matters
This article ensures that legislative proceedings are accessible to all members of the state, allowing individuals to participate effectively regardless of their primary language proficiency.
Landmark Judgements
No major landmark judgements.