Actual Article
Article 210: Language to be used in the Legislature
- Notwithstanding anything in Part XVII, the business in the Legislature of a State shall be transacted in the official language or languages of the State or in Hindi or in English: Provided that the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Chairman of the Legislative Council, as the case may be, may permit any member who cannot adequately express himself in any of the languages aforesaid, to address the House in his mother tongue.
- Unless the Legislature of the State by law otherwise provides, this article shall, after the expiration of fifteen years from the commencement of the Constitution, have effect as if the words “or in English” were omitted therefrom.
UPSC Notes for Article 210
Explanation:
- Languages Used in Legislative Business: Article 210 specifies the languages that can be used for conducting business in the state legislatures. It allows the use of the official language(s) of the state, Hindi, or English, providing flexibility to accommodate linguistic diversity within the state.
- Provision for Other Languages: The Speaker or Chairman has the discretion to allow a member who is not proficient in the official languages, Hindi, or English, to speak in their mother tongue. This ensures inclusivity and representation for all linguistic groups in the legislative process.
- Future Language Policy: The clause regarding the omission of English after fifteen years from the commencement of the Constitution was aimed at gradually phasing out English in favor of the state’s official language(s) or Hindi. However, legislative action can alter this provision.
Key Points:
- Linguistic Flexibility: This article provides for linguistic flexibility in legislative proceedings, accommodating India’s linguistic diversity and ensuring effective communication and representation.
- Inclusivity in Legislative Proceedings: By allowing members to speak in their mother tongue, the legislatures can include voices that might otherwise be marginalized due to language barriers.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 210
Cases:
- No specific landmark cases interpreting Article 210 have been noted, as this article addresses procedural and administrative aspects of legislative functions.
Commissions:
- Administrative Reforms Commission: May have considered issues related to language use in administration and governance, aiming to enhance inclusivity and effectiveness.
Important Reports Related to Article 210:
- Law Commission Reports: Could address issues of language in governance, recommending policies to manage the multilingual nature of Indian democracy effectively.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 210
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) What languages are authorized for conducting business in state legislatures according to Article 210?
- A. Only the official language of the State
- B. The official language of the State, Hindi or English
- C. Only Hindi
- D. Only English Correct Answer: B. The official language of the State, Hindi or English
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) Who has the authority to allow a member to speak in his mother tongue in the state legislature?
- A. The Governor
- B. The President
- C. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Chairman of the Legislative Council
- D. The Chief Minister Correct Answer: C. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Chairman of the Legislative Council
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 210
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the impact of linguistic flexibility in state legislatures as provided under Article 210 on legislative inclusivity and effectiveness.”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the provisions of Article 210 concerning the use of English in state legislatures and its implications for governance.”
Additional Insights:
- Balancing Unity and Diversity: Article 210 strikes a balance between national unity and linguistic diversity, allowing for the effective governance of a multilingual society.
- Transitional Language Provisions: The potential phasing out of English highlights the tension between accommodating global lingua franca and promoting national or regional languages in governance.
Understanding Article 210 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the legislative provisions concerning language use, highlighting the balance between inclusivity and effective communication in governance. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a deeper understanding of the constitutional framework governing language policy in state legislatures.