Official language of the Union
Article 343 — Official language of the Union
Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script. The form of numerals to be used for the official purposes of the Union shall be the international form of Indian numerals. (2) Notwithstanding anything in clause (1), for a period of fifteen years from the commencement of this Constitution, the English language shall continue to be used for all the official purposes of the Union for which it was being used immediately before such commencement: Provided that the President may, during the said period, by order1 authorise the use of the Hindi language in addition to the English language and of the Devanagari form of numerals in addition to the international form of Indian numerals for any of the official purposes of the Union. (3) Notwithstanding anything in this article, Parliament may by law provide for the use, after the said period of fifteen years, of—
- (a) the English language; or
- (b) the Devanagari form of numerals, for such purposes as may be specified in the law.
Plain English Summary
This article states that Hindi in the Devanagari script is the official language of the Union (India). However, for the first fifteen years after the Constitution began, English could still be used for official purposes. Parliament has the power to decide later whether to use English or Devanagari numerals for certain official needs.
Key Points
- Hindi in the Devanagari script is the official language of the Union.
- For the first 15 years, English could still be used for official purposes.
- The international form of Indian numerals must be used for official purposes.
- Parliament can later decide which language (English or Devanagari) and numeral system will be used for specific official tasks.
Why It Matters
This article sets the linguistic foundation for the central government, defining Hindi as the primary official language while providing a transitional period and future flexibility regarding the use of English and numerals.
Landmark Judgements
No major landmark judgements.