Part XVII: Official Language

Article 343: Official Language of the Union

Original Article:

(1) The official language of the 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 order authorize 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) 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.

Explanations:

Article 343 establishes Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union, with provisions for the continued use of English for official purposes during a transitional period. This article underscores India's commitment to linguistic diversity while promoting Hindi as a national language.

Clause-by-Clause Explanation:

Clause (1): Official Language and Numerals

Hindi in the Devanagari script is declared as the official language of the Union, and the international form of Indian numerals is to be used for official purposes.

Real-Life Example: Government documents and communications primarily use Hindi and numerals as specified under this clause.

Clause (2): Transitional Provisions for English

English shall continue to be used for official purposes for fifteen years from the commencement of the Constitution, allowing a gradual transition to Hindi.

Real-Life Example: English is still widely used in government proceedings and documentation, reflecting the practical challenges of transitioning entirely to Hindi.

Clause (3): Extension of English Usage

Parliament is empowered to extend the use of English for official purposes beyond the fifteen-year period specified in Clause (2).

Real-Life Example: The Official Languages Act, 1963, extended the use of English alongside Hindi for official purposes indefinitely.

Historical Significance:

Article 343 reflects the linguistic diversity of India and the challenges of establishing a single official language. The transitional provisions for English acknowledge the widespread use of English during British rule and its importance in administration and communication.

Real-Life Examples:

Bilingual Practices: Official documents and communications often include both Hindi and English to accommodate diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Parliamentary Debates: Discussions on extending the use of English beyond the initial fifteen years highlight the practical and cultural considerations of language policy in India.