Actual Article
Article 345: Official language or languages of a State
Subject to the provisions of Articles 346 and 347, the Legislature of a State may by law adopt any one or more of the languages in use in the State or Hindi as the language or languages to be used for all or any of the official purposes of that State:
Provided that, until the Legislature of the State otherwise provides by law, the English language shall continue to be used for those official purposes within the State for which it was being used immediately before the commencement of this Constitution.
UPSC Notes for Article 345
Explanation:
- State Legislature’s Authority: Article 345 empowers the Legislature of a State to adopt any one or more of the languages in use in the State or Hindi as the official language or languages for official purposes.
- Provisional Use of English: Until the State Legislature makes a law to provide otherwise, English shall continue to be used for official purposes within the State as it was used immediately before the commencement of the Constitution.
- Provisions of Articles 346 and 347: The adoption of the official language(s) by a State Legislature is subject to the provisions of Articles 346 (Official language for communication between one State and another or between a State and the Union) and 347 (Special provision relating to the language spoken by a section of the population of a State).
Key Points:
- State Autonomy: Provides states with the autonomy to choose their official language(s) based on the linguistic preferences and usage within the State.
- Transitional Use of English: Ensures a smooth transition by allowing the continued use of English until the State Legislature decides otherwise.
- Balancing National and Regional Interests: Balances the need for a national language policy with the recognition of linguistic diversity and regional preferences.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 345
Cases:
- No landmark Supreme Court cases specifically interpreting Article 345, but it plays a significant role in discussions on linguistic autonomy and regional language policies.
Commissions:
- Official Language Commission (1955): Reviewed the status of languages and made recommendations for the promotion of Hindi and regional languages.
- State Language Commissions: Various states have their language commissions to recommend policies for the adoption and promotion of state languages.
Important Reports Related to Article 345:
- Official Language Commission Reports: Provide insights into the use of languages for official purposes and recommend measures for promoting regional languages while ensuring national unity.
- Reports by State Language Commissions: Discuss the linguistic policies and recommend the adoption of regional languages for official purposes in respective states.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 345
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) Under Article 345 of the Indian Constitution, who has the authority to adopt the official language of a State?
A. The Governor
B. The President
C. The State Legislature
D. The Chief Minister Correct Answer: C. The State Legislature - (UPSC Prelims 2018) What provision does Article 345 make for the use of English in the States?
A. English must be discontinued immediately
B. English can be used until the State Legislature provides otherwise by law
C. English is not allowed for any official purposes
D. English is mandatory for all official purposes Correct Answer: B. English can be used until the State Legislature provides otherwise by law
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 345
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 345 in providing linguistic autonomy to States. How does this article balance the use of regional languages and the need for a common national language?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the impact of Article 345 on the linguistic policies of Indian States. What challenges and opportunities does this provision present in terms of promoting regional languages while maintaining national unity?”
Additional Insights:
- Promoting Regional Languages: Article 345 encourages states to promote and use regional languages for official purposes, reflecting the linguistic diversity of India.
- Transitional Measures: The provisional use of English ensures that administrative functions continue smoothly during the transition to regional languages.
- Flexibility and Autonomy: Provides flexibility to states in choosing their official languages, ensuring that regional linguistic preferences are respected and catered to.
Understanding Article 345 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the constitutional provisions for the adoption of official languages by States, highlighting the balance between national and regional linguistic interests. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic policies within the Indian Constitution.