Part XVII: Official Language
Contains provisions relating to the official language of the Union, regional languages, language of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and special directives for the development of Hindi. This part establishes a balanced language policy that recognizes India's linguistic diversity while promoting national integration through a common link language.
Chapter I: Language of the Union
Official language of the Union
(1) The official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script. (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. (3) Parliament may by law provide for the use of the English language after the said period of fifteen years.
Commission and Committee of Parliament on official language
(1) The President shall constitute a Commission to make recommendations on the progressive use of Hindi, restrictions on English, and the language to be used for specific purposes. (2) A Committee consisting of thirty members shall examine the Commission's report and make recommendations to the President.
Chapter II: Regional Languages
Official language or languages of a State
Subject to the provisions of articles 346 and 347, the Legislature of a State may by law adopt any one or more of the languages in use in the State or Hindi as the language or languages to be used for all or any of the official purposes of that State. This recognizes India's linguistic diversity at the state level.
Official language for communication between one State and another or between a State and the Union
The language for communication between one State and another or between a State and the Union shall be the official language of the Union (Hindi) or English. This ensures effective communication between different levels of government.
Special provision relating to language spoken by a section of the population of a State
On a demand being made, the President may direct that a language spoken by a substantial proportion of the population of a State shall also be officially recognized throughout that State or any part thereof for such purposes as he may specify. This protects linguistic minorities.
Chapter III: Language of the Supreme Court, High Courts, etc.
Language to be used in the Supreme Court and in the High Courts and for Acts, Bills, etc.
(1) Until Parliament by law otherwise provides, all proceedings in the Supreme Court and every High Court shall be in English. (2) The authoritative texts of all Bills, Acts, ordinances, etc., shall be in English. (3) The Governor may authorize the use of Hindi or official state language in High Court proceedings with the President's consent.
Special procedure for enactment of certain laws relating to language
During the period of fifteen years from the commencement of the Constitution, no Bill or amendment making provision for the language to be used for any of the purposes mentioned in article 348 shall be introduced or moved in either House of Parliament without the previous sanction of the President.
Chapter IV: Special Directives
Language to be used in representations for redress of grievances
Every person shall be entitled to submit a representation for the redress of any grievance to any officer or authority of the Union or a State in any of the languages used in the Union or in the State, as the case may be. This ensures accessibility in grievance redressal.
Facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at primary stage
It shall be the endeavor of every State and of every local authority within the State to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups. This protects the linguistic rights of minorities.
Special Officer for linguistic minorities
(1) There shall be a Special Officer for linguistic minorities appointed by the President. (2) It shall be the duty of the Special Officer to investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for linguistic minorities and report to the President.
Directive for development of the Hindi language
It shall be the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language, to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India, and to secure its enrichment by assimilating the forms, style and expressions used in Hindustani and other Indian languages.
🗣️ Key Concepts in Part XVII: Official Language
Three-Language Formula
- First Language: Mother tongue/regional language
- Second Language: Hindi (in non-Hindi areas) or English (in Hindi areas)
- Third Language: Modern Indian language (English/Hindi)
- Purpose: Promotes multilingualism and national integration
Constitutional Safeguards
- Art. 350: Right to submit grievances in any language
- Art. 350A: Mother-tongue instruction at primary level
- Art. 350B: Special Officer for linguistic minorities
- Art. 29: Protection of distinct language, script or culture
Language Commissions
- First Official Language Commission (1955): Kher Commission
- Second Official Language Commission (1960): No report submitted
- Third Official Language Commission: No specific commission appointed
- Parliamentary Committee: Reviews progress every 10 years
📝 Constitutional Significance
Part XVII represents a careful compromise between competing linguistic interests in India. While establishing Hindi as the official language of the Union (Article 343), it provides significant safeguards for linguistic diversity. The 15-year transitional provision for English (extended indefinitely through the Official Languages Act, 1963) addressed concerns of non-Hindi speaking regions. The recognition of state languages (Article 345) and protection for linguistic minorities (Articles 350-350B) ensures that regional languages thrive. The directive for Hindi's development (Article 351) emphasizes enrichment from other Indian languages rather than imposition. This balanced approach has helped maintain linguistic harmony in one of the world's most linguistically diverse nations.
📜 Eighth Schedule Languages
The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists languages recognized for official purposes and development.
Total Languages
Originally 14, now 22 languages in Eighth Schedule
Original 14 (1950)
Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu
Added in 1967
Sindhi (21st Amendment)
Added in 1992
Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (71st Amendment)
Added in 2003
Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santali (92nd Amendment)
Demand for More Languages
Several languages are demanding inclusion in the Eighth Schedule:
• Currently under consideration: Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Tulu, Magahi, Kodava, Khasi, Angika, Kurukh, Sambalpuri, Mizo, Banjara, Garhwali, Kokborok, Gondi, Kumaoni, Kutchi, Nagpuri, Pahari, Surgujia, Bhili/Bhilodi
The criteria for inclusion include: literary tradition, numerical strength, regional concentration, and demand. Inclusion provides constitutional recognition and eligibility for development grants.
📊 Language Statistics in India
Hindi Speakers
43.6% of population (2011 Census)
English Speakers
10.6% of population (2011 Census)
Bengali Speakers
8% of population (2011 Census)
Marathi Speakers
6.9% of population (2011 Census)
Telugu Speakers
6.7% of population (2011 Census)
Tamil Speakers
5.7% of population (2011 Census)
Language Family Distribution
India has 19,569 mother tongues reported in the 2011 Census, grouped into 121 languages.
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