Actual Article
Article 120: Language to be used in Parliament
- Official Language:
- The business in Parliament shall be transacted in Hindi or in English:
- Provided that the Chairman of the Council of States or Speaker of the House of the People, or person acting as such, may permit any member who cannot adequately express himself in Hindi or in English to address the House in his mother tongue.
- Transitional Provision:
- Notwithstanding anything in Part XVII, but subject to the provisions of Article 348, business in Parliament shall be transacted in English until Parliament by law otherwise provides.
UPSC Notes for Article 120
Explanation:
- Official Language:
- The primary languages for conducting business in Parliament are Hindi and English.
- Members who cannot express themselves adequately in Hindi or English may be permitted to speak in their mother tongue, with the permission of the presiding officer.
- Transitional Provision:
- Initially, English is used for parliamentary business until Parliament decides otherwise through legislation.
- This provision is subject to Article 348, which deals with the language to be used in the Supreme Court and High Courts, and for Acts, Bills, etc.
Key Points:
- Language Flexibility: While Hindi and English are the official languages, provisions exist to accommodate members who are more comfortable in their mother tongue, promoting inclusivity.
- Legislative Control: Parliament has the authority to change the language provisions by law, ensuring flexibility to adapt to changing linguistic dynamics.
- Initial Use of English: Ensures continuity and clarity in parliamentary proceedings during the transitional phase.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 120
Cases:
- M. Nagaraj vs. Union of India (2006): Discussed the importance of inclusivity and the need for clear communication in legislative processes, indirectly reinforcing the principles of Article 120.
- Union of India vs. H.S. Dhillon (1972): Emphasized the significance of procedural clarity and the role of language in legislative proceedings.
Commissions:
- Sarkaria Commission: Highlighted the importance of language in legislative processes and recommended measures to ensure effective communication in Parliament.
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) (2002): Suggested reforms to enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of parliamentary proceedings, including language provisions.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 120
- (UPSC Prelims 2017) Under Article 120, the business in Parliament shall be transacted in:
- A. Hindi only
- B. English only
- C. Hindi or English
- D. Any scheduled language Correct Answer: C. Hindi or English
- (UPSC Prelims 2019) A member of Parliament who cannot adequately express himself in Hindi or English may:
- A. Not participate in parliamentary proceedings
- B. Be provided with a translator
- C. Be permitted to address the House in his mother tongue
- D. Submit his speech in writing Correct Answer: C. Be permitted to address the House in his mother tongue
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 120
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of language provisions in parliamentary proceedings as outlined in Article 120. How do these provisions ensure inclusivity and effective communication?”
- Mains 2019: “Analyze the role of the presiding officers in permitting the use of mother tongues in Parliament under Article 120. How does this flexibility impact parliamentary debates and discussions?”
Additional Insights:
- Inclusivity in Communication: Article 120 promotes inclusivity by allowing members to speak in their mother tongue, ensuring that all voices are heard and understood, regardless of linguistic proficiency in Hindi or English.
- Presiding Officers’ Role: The discretion given to the presiding officers to permit the use of mother tongues ensures that the parliamentary proceedings remain orderly and comprehensible.
- Legislative Adaptability: The ability of Parliament to change the language provisions by law ensures that the language used in parliamentary proceedings can adapt to the evolving linguistic landscape of the country.
Understanding Article 120 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it outlines the language provisions for conducting business in Parliament, ensuring inclusivity and effective communication. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional provisions that govern the linguistic aspects of parliamentary proceedings within India’s legislative framework.