Article 343 of the Costitution of India with Case law
Here is a detailed explanation of Article 343 of the Constitution of India along with relevant case law:
🔷 Article 343 – Official Language of the Union
🔹 Text of Article 343 (1), (2), and (3):
(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 before such commencement.
(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.
🔹 Purpose of Article 343:
To lay down the official language policy of the Union Government.
Hindi was intended to replace English after a transition period of 15 years (i.e., up to 1965).
However, due to widespread opposition, especially from non-Hindi-speaking states (notably Tamil Nadu), English continued alongside Hindi.
🔹 Key Features:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary official language | Hindi (Devanagari script) |
| Numerals | International form of Indian numerals (e.g., 1, 2, 3…) |
| Transitional clause | English to continue for 15 years from 1950 (i.e., till 1965) |
| Parliamentary power | May allow continued use of English even after 1965 |
🔹 Follow-up Legislation:
✅ The Official Languages Act, 1963
Enacted before the expiry of 15-year period.
Provided that English shall continue to be used for official purposes alongside Hindi, even after 1965.
🔹 Political and Social Impact:
The move to make Hindi the sole official language was met with violent protests in South India (especially Tamil Nadu, 1965).
As a result, the Official Languages (Amendment) Act, 1967 was passed, assuring non-Hindi states that English would continue indefinitely.
🔹 Relevant Case Law on Article 343:
✅ Union of India v. Murasoli Maran, AIR 1977 SC 225
Facts: The case revolved around the use of English for official purposes and political protests against Hindi imposition.
Held:
The Supreme Court acknowledged that language is a sensitive issue, and that Parliament has the power under Article 343(3) to continue English as an official language.
Recognised the constitutional validity of using both Hindi and English in official Union affairs.
✅ A.G. of India v. Lachmi Devi, AIR 1986 SC 973
Facts: Issue regarding interpretation of statutory language and legislative drafts.
Held:
Court stated that laws must be understood in the language in which they are enacted, reaffirming the importance of clarity and accessibility.
Language policy must be inclusive to avoid constitutional conflicts.
✅ Raj Narain v. Indira Nehru Gandhi, AIR 1975 SC 865
Though not directly about Article 343, the case involved parliamentary records and documentation in English/Hindi.
Reaffirmed the validity of both languages for official communication and legal proceedings.
🔹 Summary Table:
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Article | 343 |
| Declared Official Language | Hindi (Devanagari script) |
| Numerals | International form of Indian numerals |
| Transition period for English | 15 years (1950–1965) |
| Post-1965 Language Use | Parliament may allow continued use of English |
| Major Related Law | Official Languages Act, 1963 |
| Key Cases | Murasoli Maran, Lachmi Devi, Raj Narain |
🔹 Conclusion:
Article 343 marks the foundation of India’s official language policy. Though it envisioned Hindi as the sole official language by 1965, the continued use of English was constitutionally protected due to political and social realities. This bilingual arrangement continues today, reflecting India’s linguistic diversity and federal compromise.
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