Article 343 is a pivotal provision within Part XVII (“Official Language”) of the Constitution of India, laying down the foundational principles regarding the official language for the transaction of business of the Union. It addresses the complex linguistic landscape of India by designating a primary official language while also providing for the continued use of English, reflecting a compromise reached during the drafting of the Constitution to accommodate diverse linguistic groups.
This article sets the stage for the official language policy at the central government level, establishing Hindi as the principal language but also acknowledging the necessity and practical implications of retaining English for a transitional period, with scope for its continued use thereafter as determined by Parliament.
Original Text
(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 immediately before such commencement:
Provided that the President may, during the said period, by order authorise the use of the Hindi language in addition to the English language and of the Devanagari form of numerals in addition to the international form of Indian numerals for any of the official purposes of the Union.
(3) Notwithstanding anything in clause (2), 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.
Detailed Explanation
Article 343 comprises three clauses that define the official language of the Union.
Clause (1) makes a definitive declaration that Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, shall be the official language for the Union’s purposes. This sets Hindi as the principal language for central government work. However, it also specifies the form of numerals to be used for official purposes of the Union as the “international form of Indian numerals,” which refers to the standard digits 1, 2, 3, etc., that are used internationally (also known as Arabic numerals, but originating from India). This was a significant compromise, as some preferred the Devanagari form of numerals.
Clause (2) provides a transitional arrangement. It mandates that for a period of fifteen years following the commencement of the Constitution (i.e., until 1965), the English language would continue to be used for all official purposes of the Union for which it was previously used. This was intended to allow time for the transition to Hindi and to address concerns from non-Hindi speaking regions. The proviso to this clause gives the President the power, within this fifteen-year period, to authorize the additional use of Hindi language and the Devanagari form of numerals for any official purpose. This allowed for a gradual introduction and increased use of Hindi alongside English during the transitional phase.
Clause (3) is crucial as it empowers Parliament to decide on the use of English and the Devanagari form of numerals after the initial fifteen-year period. It states that regardless of the fifteen-year limit mentioned in clause (2), Parliament can enact a law to provide for the continued use of the English language, or the Devanagari form of numerals, or both, for specific purposes specified in that law. This provision laid the groundwork for legislation like the Official Languages Act, 1963, which subsequently provided for the continued use of English for official purposes even after 1965, effectively extending the transition period indefinitely until Parliament decides otherwise.
Detailed Notes
- Official Language: Hindi in Devanagari script is designated as the official language of the Union.
- Script: Devanagari is the specified script for the official Hindi language.
- Numerals: The form of numerals for official Union purposes shall be the international form of Indian numerals (1, 2, 3…).
- Transitional Provision (English): For the first fifteen years from the Constitution’s commencement (until 1965), English was to continue being used for official Union purposes as it was before.
- President’s Power: During the initial 15 years, the President could authorize the additional use of Hindi and the Devanagari numerals for official purposes.
- Parliament’s Power: Parliament is empowered by law to provide for the use of English language or Devanagari numerals, or both, for specified purposes after the initial fifteen-year period.
- Basis for Legislation: Clause (3) forms the constitutional basis for the enactment of laws like the Official Languages Act, 1963.
- Continuation of English: Through laws enacted under Clause (3), the use of English for official purposes has been continued beyond the initial 15 years.
Additional Comments
- Article 343 is the first article in Part XVII of the Constitution, which deals with Official Language (Articles 343 to 351).
- The adoption of Hindi as the official language was a subject of intense debate in the Constituent Assembly, with significant opposition from members from non-Hindi speaking regions.
- The provision for the international form of Indian numerals was a compromise to make official communication universally understandable.
- The Official Languages Act, 1963, passed under the authority of Article 343(3), ensures the continued use of English alongside Hindi for official purposes of the Union, effectively making English an “associate official language.”
- Part XVII also contains provisions regarding regional languages, language of the judiciary and texts of laws, and special directives regarding language development.
Summary
Article 343 of the Indian Constitution establishes Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union. It specifies that the international form of Indian numerals shall be used for official purposes. The article included a transitional arrangement allowing the continued use of English for fifteen years from the Constitution’s commencement. Crucially, it grants Parliament the power to legislate for the continued use of English, or the Devanagari form of numerals, or both, for specified purposes after this initial period, which led to the enactment of laws facilitating the ongoing use of English for official Union purposes.