Article 210 of Constitution of India – Language to be used in the Legislature

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Article 210 of Constitution of India deals with Language to be used in the Legislature

Original Text of Article 210 of Constitution of India

(1) Notwithstanding anything in Part XVII, but subject to the provisions of article 348, 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, or person acting as such, 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.


(2) Unless the Legislature of the State by law otherwise provides, this article shall, after the expiration of a period of fifteen years from the commencement of this Constitution, have effect as if the words “or in English” were omitted therefrom:
[Provided that in relation to the 2[Legislatures of the States of Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura] this clause shall have effect as if for the words “fifteen years” occurring therein, the words “twenty-five years” were substituted:]
[Provided further that in relation to the 4[Legislatures of the States of (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Mizoram]], this clause shall have effect as if for the words “fifteen years” occurring therein, the words “forty years” were substituted.]

Questions related to Article 210 of Constitution of India

1. What is Article 210 of the Indian Constitution about?

Article 210 specifies the language to be used in the State Legislature, stating that business shall be transacted in the official language of the state or in Hindi or English, under the Constitution of India.

2. Can members use English in State Legislatures?

Yes, Article 210 allows members to speak in English, Hindi, or the official language of the state, offering linguistic flexibility while maintaining decorum in line with the Articles of Indian Constitution.

3. Are there any exceptions for members who cannot speak these languages?

Absolutely! Article 210 provides that with the permission of the Speaker or Chairman, a member may address the House in their mother tongue, which is also supported in practices referenced on Indian Kanoon.

4. Does Article 210 apply to legislative documents and Acts too?

No, Article 210 mainly refers to the spoken language in legislative proceedings, not the language of legal texts or acts, which are governed by other provisions of the Indian Constitution.

5. Where can I find case laws or official interpretations of Article 210?

You can visit Indian Kanoon for detailed judgments, constitutional debates, and procedural rules interpreting the application of Article 210 in various State Legislatures.

For Further Reference:

Other Related Links:

Indian Constitution: All Articles and schedulesArticle 2 of Indian Constitution
Article 3 of Indian ConstitutionArticle 4 of Indian Constitution
Article 5 of indian ConstitutionArticle 6 of Indian Constitution
Article 7 of Indian ConstitutionArticle 8 of Indian Constitution
Article 9 of Indian ConstitutionArticle 10 of Indian Constitution
Article 11 of Indian ConstitutionCitizenship

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