Part XXII: Short Title, Commencement, Authoritative Text in Hindi, and Repeals
Article 394A: Authoritative Text in Hindi
Original Article:
Article 394A provides for the publication of the authoritative Hindi translation of the Constitution and its amendments, ensuring equal legal status for both Hindi and English versions.
Explanations:
Article 394A, added through the Constitution (Fifty-eighth Amendment) Act, 1987, mandates the publication of an official Hindi version of the Constitution. This inclusion reflects India’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity and ensures that Hindi-speaking citizens can access the Constitution in their native language.
Clause-by-Clause Explanation:
Clause (1): President’s Duty
The President is required to publish a Hindi translation of the Constitution, incorporating amendments and ensuring alignment with the terminology of Central Acts in Hindi.
Clause (2): Legal Consistency
The Hindi translation and amendments shall hold the same legal authority as the original English text, with the President authorized to resolve ambiguities, ensuring consistency between versions.
Clause (3): Recognition of Hindi
The Hindi text is granted equal status as the authoritative text, reinforcing India’s commitment to multilingualism and accessibility.
Legislative History:
Article 394A was introduced to promote inclusivity and linguistic equality. The Fifty-eighth Amendment reflects the need to make the Constitution accessible to India’s Hindi-speaking population.
Historical Significance:
By granting equal authority to the Hindi version of the Constitution, Article 394A highlights India’s dedication to cultural and linguistic diversity.
Real-Life Examples:
Hindi-speaking lawyers and judges now have an official version of the Constitution to refer to during legal proceedings, ensuring clarity and accessibility in courtrooms where Hindi is the primary language.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Article 394A ensures the publication of an authoritative Hindi version of the Constitution, promoting linguistic inclusivity and accessibility.
Article 394A was added through the Constitution (Fifty-eighth Amendment) Act, 1987.
References:
- Constitution of India, Article 394A
- Constitution (Fifty-eighth Amendment) Act, 1987
- Government records on linguistic policies and constitutional amendments