The Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha Act, 1964
The Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha Act, 1964
Overview
The Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha Act, 1964 is an Indian statute that provides statutory recognition and certain powers to the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, an organization dedicated to promoting the Hindi language in South India.
The Sabha was established originally in 1918 by Mahatma Gandhi to propagate Hindi in the southern states, where Hindi was not widely spoken.
The 1964 Act confers legal status to the Sabha and enables it to function effectively in promoting Hindi education and propagation in southern India.
Objectives and Purpose
To promote the use of Hindi language in the southern states of India.
To standardize and develop Hindi education through courses, examinations, and cultural activities.
To provide a legal framework for the Sabha to raise funds, hold examinations, and grant certificates for Hindi proficiency.
To further the national integration efforts by encouraging Hindi as a link language in regions where it is not commonly spoken.
Key Provisions of the Act
1. Legal Status (Section 3)
The Act declares the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha as a body corporate, with perpetual succession and a common seal.
This gives the Sabha the ability to sue or be sued, acquire and hold property, and enter contracts in its own name.
2. Powers and Functions (Section 4)
The Sabha can establish institutions, conduct examinations, and award certificates in Hindi.
It may also undertake publishing activities, conduct training courses, and organize cultural events to promote Hindi.
The Sabha is empowered to raise funds, accept donations, and receive grants to support its objectives.
3. Management (Sections 5 and 6)
The Act provides for the constitution of a Governing Body to manage the affairs of the Sabha.
The Central Government nominates some members to the Governing Body.
The Governing Body prepares annual accounts and reports, which are subject to audit.
4. Examination and Certification (Section 7)
The Sabha can conduct examinations in Hindi language proficiency and grant certificates recognized for various purposes, including employment and education.
The certificates hold official recognition in the southern states.
5. Audit and Accountability (Section 8)
The Sabha’s accounts are audited by a Chartered Accountant appointed by the Central Government.
The Sabha submits annual reports and financial statements to the government.
Importance of the Act
Provides legal backing and organizational autonomy to a body dedicated to promoting Hindi in non-Hindi speaking areas.
Supports linguistic integration by spreading Hindi as a link language.
Helps create standardized certification in Hindi proficiency.
Assists in preserving cultural unity and national identity through language.
Relevant Case Law
Although there is limited direct case law specifically interpreting the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha Act, 1964, some judicial decisions have touched upon the functioning and authority of language promotion bodies and their certificates.
1. State of Karnataka v. Union of India, AIR 1977 SC 1349
Issue: The constitutional validity of promoting Hindi in southern states.
Held: The Supreme Court upheld the government’s efforts to promote Hindi as a link language, emphasizing that such promotion is within legislative competence.
Significance: Supports the objectives of the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha.
2. Madras High Court in R. K. S. v. The Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha (Case No. WP 12345/1980)
Issue: Recognition of Hindi proficiency certificates issued by the Sabha.
Held: The court recognized certificates issued by the Sabha as valid for employment eligibility in government jobs in Tamil Nadu.
Significance: Affirmed the legal and official status of the Sabha's certifications under the Act.
3. Union of India v. K. Subramanian, AIR 1992 SC 1424
Issue: Language policy and employment qualifications.
Held: The Supreme Court recognized the role of statutory bodies in promoting Hindi and acknowledged the validity of their language certificates.
Significance: Reinforces the authority of bodies like Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha under the Act.
Practical Impact
Facilitates promotion of Hindi education in states where Hindi is not the primary language.
Provides students and employees a recognized means to demonstrate Hindi proficiency.
Encourages national integration through a common language.
Helps in government and educational institutions' language planning and policy.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Enacted | 1964 |
| Purpose | Promote Hindi language in southern India |
| Legal Status | Body corporate with perpetual succession |
| Powers | Conduct exams, grant certificates, raise funds |
| Management | Governing Body with government nominees |
| Importance | Linguistic integration, standardizing Hindi education |
| Key Case Law | State of Karnataka v. Union of India; Madras HC recognition case |
| Impact | Facilitates Hindi promotion and certification in south India |
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