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Part 17 of Indian Constitution: Official Language & Its Provisions (Articles 343-351)

Last Updated on Apr 19, 2025
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Part 17 of Indian Constitution deals with the provisions related to official languages. It outlines the framework for the use of Hindi as the official language of the Union, permits states to adopt their own official languages, and governs communication between the Union and states. This Part also addresses the use of language in the judiciary, legislative documents, and ensures safeguards for linguistic minorities and the promotion of Hindi. Explore other Constitutional Articles

Part

Articles

Description

Part 17

Articles 343-351

Official Language

Part 17 of Indian Constitution Overview

Part 17 of Indian Constitution establishes Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union and allows for the continued use of English for 15 years. It mandates the creation of a Commission to recommend the progressive use of Hindi and the status of English. States can adopt their languages for official purposes while maintaining the English language until new laws are enacted. The Constitution specifies that the English language will be used in the proceedings of the Supreme Court and High Court. It also promotes education in the mother-tongue for linguistic minorities and mandates the Union to foster the development of Hindi as a medium for cultural expression of India. 

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Part 17 of Indian Constitution Categorization of Chapters

Part XVII of the Indian Constitution, which focuses on official languages, can be categorized into four main chapters. These chapters provide a framework for the use of languages in India, ensuring linguistic diversity while promoting Hindi for official purposes.

  • Chapter I: Official Language of the Union
  • Chapter II: Language of the States
  • Chapter III: Language
  • Chapter IV: Provisions for Linguistic Minorities

Part XVII of Indian Constitution Scheme

Part 17 of Indian Constitution outlines the framework for the official language policy in India and addresses the use of languages for Union, state and inter-state communication. Following is a brief overview of the components in Part 17 of Constitution:

Chapter

Articles

Description

Chapter I

Article 343

Official language of the Union

Article 344

Commission and Committee of Parliament on official language

Chapter II

Article 345

Official language or languages of a State

Article 346

Official language for communication between one State and another or between a State and the Union

Article 347

Special provision relating to language spoken by a section of the population of a State

Chapter III

Article 348

Language to be used in the Supreme Court and in the High Courts and for Acts, Bills, etc

Article 349

Special procedure for enactment of certain laws relating to language

Chapter IV

Article 350

Language to be used in representations for redress of grievances

Article 350A

Facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at primary stage

Article 350B

Special Officer for linguistic minorities

Article 351

Directive for development of the Hindi language

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Part 17 of Indian Constitution FAQs

Part 17 deals with the official language policy of India.

Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, is the official language of the Union as specified in Article 343.

Yes, under Article 345 of Part 17, state legislatures have the authority to adopt one or more official languages for use within their respective states.

Yes, English continues to be used for official purposes, including in the Supreme Court, High Courts, and legislative documents.

Part 17 provides several provisions to protect the rights of linguistic minorities, such as ensuring facilities for primary education in their mother tongue (Article 350A) and appointing a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities (Article 350B).

Article 351 directs the Union to take measures to promote the development and use of the Hindi language for official purposes.
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