Article 120 of the Indian Constitution deals with the language to be used in Parliament. It states that business in Parliament shall be conducted in Hindi or English. However, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can permit a member to address the House in their mother tongue. This provision aims to ensure that members can effectively participate in parliamentary proceedings, even if they are not fluent in Hindi or English. The goal is to make Parliament more accessible and representative of India's diverse linguistic landscape. This provision is subject to change by law.
Historical Background
Before 1965, English was intended to eventually be phased out as an official language. However, due to concerns from non-Hindi speaking regions, the use of English was extended. The Constitution initially allowed for the use of English for all official purposes for a period of 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution. The Official Languages Act, 1963, allowed for the continued use of English, alongside Hindi, in Parliament and for official purposes of the Union. The debate over language in Parliament has been ongoing, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of India. The recent expansion of simultaneous interpretation services is a continuation of efforts to make Parliament more inclusive.
Key Points
12 points
1.
Parliament's business is conducted in Hindi or English.
2.
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha can allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
3.
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can also allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
4.
This permission is granted on a case-by-case basis.
5.
The provision aims to balance national languages with regional languages.
6.
Visual Insights
Article 120 vs. Official Languages Act, 1963
Comparison of Article 120 of the Constitution and the Official Languages Act, 1963.
Feature
Article 120
Official Languages Act, 1963
Purpose
Language to be used in Parliament
Continued use of English alongside Hindi
Key Provision
Hindi or English; Speaker/Chairman can permit use of mother tongue
English can be used for official purposes
Scope
Parliamentary proceedings
Union government and Parliament
Amendment
Subject to change by law
Amended in 1967 to clarify the status of English and Hindi
Recent Real-World Examples
1 examples
Illustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Article 120 is relevant for GS-2 (Polity and Governance). Questions can focus on the balance between national and regional languages, the role of the Speaker/Chairman, and the impact of the Official Languages Act. It is important for both Prelims (factual questions) and Mains (analytical questions). In recent years, questions on language policy and parliamentary procedures have been asked. When answering, focus on the constitutional provisions, the practical implications, and the challenges of implementing a multilingual policy. Understanding the historical context is also crucial. It is often linked to questions about federalism and linguistic diversity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
12
1. What is Article 120 of the Indian Constitution, and what is its constitutional basis?
Article 120 deals with the language used in Parliament. It states that parliamentary business should be conducted in Hindi or English. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can allow members to speak in their mother tongue. This aims to make Parliament more accessible to members from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Exam Tip
Remember the key provision: Hindi or English are the primary languages, but exceptions can be made for a member's mother tongue with permission.
2. What are the key provisions outlined in Article 120?
The key provisions are:
* Parliament's business is conducted in Hindi or English.
* The Speaker of the Lok Sabha can allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
* The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can also allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
* This permission is granted on a case-by-case basis.
* The provision aims to balance national languages with regional languages.
•Parliament's business is conducted in Hindi or English.
Constitutional Provision
Article 120
What is Article 120?
Article 120 of the Indian Constitution deals with the language to be used in Parliament. It states that business in Parliament shall be conducted in Hindi or English. However, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can permit a member to address the House in their mother tongue. This provision aims to ensure that members can effectively participate in parliamentary proceedings, even if they are not fluent in Hindi or English. The goal is to make Parliament more accessible and representative of India's diverse linguistic landscape. This provision is subject to change by law.
Historical Background
Before 1965, English was intended to eventually be phased out as an official language. However, due to concerns from non-Hindi speaking regions, the use of English was extended. The Constitution initially allowed for the use of English for all official purposes for a period of 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution. The Official Languages Act, 1963, allowed for the continued use of English, alongside Hindi, in Parliament and for official purposes of the Union. The debate over language in Parliament has been ongoing, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of India. The recent expansion of simultaneous interpretation services is a continuation of efforts to make Parliament more inclusive.
Key Points
12 points
1.
Parliament's business is conducted in Hindi or English.
2.
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha can allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
3.
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can also allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
4.
This permission is granted on a case-by-case basis.
5.
The provision aims to balance national languages with regional languages.
6.
Visual Insights
Article 120 vs. Official Languages Act, 1963
Comparison of Article 120 of the Constitution and the Official Languages Act, 1963.
Feature
Article 120
Official Languages Act, 1963
Purpose
Language to be used in Parliament
Continued use of English alongside Hindi
Key Provision
Hindi or English; Speaker/Chairman can permit use of mother tongue
English can be used for official purposes
Scope
Parliamentary proceedings
Union government and Parliament
Amendment
Subject to change by law
Amended in 1967 to clarify the status of English and Hindi
Recent Real-World Examples
1 examples
Illustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Article 120 is relevant for GS-2 (Polity and Governance). Questions can focus on the balance between national and regional languages, the role of the Speaker/Chairman, and the impact of the Official Languages Act. It is important for both Prelims (factual questions) and Mains (analytical questions). In recent years, questions on language policy and parliamentary procedures have been asked. When answering, focus on the constitutional provisions, the practical implications, and the challenges of implementing a multilingual policy. Understanding the historical context is also crucial. It is often linked to questions about federalism and linguistic diversity.
❓
Frequently Asked Questions
12
1. What is Article 120 of the Indian Constitution, and what is its constitutional basis?
Article 120 deals with the language used in Parliament. It states that parliamentary business should be conducted in Hindi or English. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can allow members to speak in their mother tongue. This aims to make Parliament more accessible to members from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Exam Tip
Remember the key provision: Hindi or English are the primary languages, but exceptions can be made for a member's mother tongue with permission.
2. What are the key provisions outlined in Article 120?
The key provisions are:
* Parliament's business is conducted in Hindi or English.
* The Speaker of the Lok Sabha can allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
* The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can also allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
* This permission is granted on a case-by-case basis.
* The provision aims to balance national languages with regional languages.
•Parliament's business is conducted in Hindi or English.
The Official Languages Act, 1963 supplements this provision by allowing the continued use of English.
7.
Members must request permission to speak in their mother tongue.
8.
The Speaker/Chairman's decision is final in granting permission.
9.
This ensures that members who are not fluent in Hindi or English can still participate.
10.
The provision promotes inclusivity and representation in Parliament.
11.
Simultaneous interpretation services help bridge the language gap.
12.
The provision acknowledges India's linguistic diversity.
•The Speaker of the Lok Sabha can allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
•The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can also allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
•This permission is granted on a case-by-case basis.
•The provision aims to balance national languages with regional languages.
Exam Tip
Focus on who has the power to grant permission for using a mother tongue: the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
3. How does Article 120 work in practice within the Indian Parliament?
In practice, members typically conduct parliamentary business in Hindi or English. If a member is not proficient in either language, they can request permission from the Speaker or Chairman to speak in their mother tongue. Simultaneous interpretation services are often used to translate the member's speech for the benefit of other members.
4. What is the significance of Article 120 in Indian democracy?
Article 120 ensures that members of Parliament can effectively participate in parliamentary proceedings, regardless of their proficiency in Hindi or English. This promotes inclusivity and ensures that diverse voices are represented in the legislative process. It helps make Parliament more representative of India's linguistic diversity.
5. What are the challenges in implementing Article 120?
One challenge is providing adequate interpretation services for all recognized languages. Ensuring accurate and timely translation can be resource-intensive. Another challenge is managing the practical aspects of allowing multiple languages in parliamentary debates.
6. How has Article 120 evolved over time, considering the Official Languages Act, 1963?
Initially, English was intended to be phased out, but the Official Languages Act, 1963, allowed for the continued use of English alongside Hindi. This has influenced how Article 120 is interpreted and applied, ensuring the continued use of both languages in Parliament.
7. What is the relationship between Article 120 and the Official Languages Act, 1963?
The Official Languages Act, 1963, allows for the continued use of English, alongside Hindi, in Parliament. This Act complements Article 120 by providing a legal basis for the use of both languages, even after the initial 15-year period from the Constitution's commencement.
8. What reforms have been suggested to improve the implementation of Article 120?
Suggestions include expanding simultaneous interpretation services to cover more languages, investing in technology to improve translation accuracy, and providing language training for members of Parliament.
9. What are some common misconceptions about Article 120?
A common misconception is that Article 120 mandates the exclusive use of Hindi in Parliament. In reality, it allows for the use of English and provides a mechanism for members to use their mother tongue with permission.
10. How does India's approach to language in Parliament, as reflected in Article 120, compare with other countries?
Many countries with diverse linguistic landscapes have similar provisions to allow members to use languages other than the primary national language. However, the specific mechanisms and the extent of interpretation services vary widely.
11. What is the future of Article 120, considering the recent developments in translation technology and accessibility?
With advancements in AI-powered translation and interpretation, Article 120 may evolve to become more inclusive, allowing for seamless communication across a wider range of languages. The focus will likely be on improving accessibility and accuracy.
12. What are the important articles/sections related to Article 120?
The Official Languages Act, 1963 is closely related to Article 120. It provides the legal framework for the continued use of English alongside Hindi in Parliament.
The Official Languages Act, 1963 supplements this provision by allowing the continued use of English.
7.
Members must request permission to speak in their mother tongue.
8.
The Speaker/Chairman's decision is final in granting permission.
9.
This ensures that members who are not fluent in Hindi or English can still participate.
10.
The provision promotes inclusivity and representation in Parliament.
11.
Simultaneous interpretation services help bridge the language gap.
12.
The provision acknowledges India's linguistic diversity.
•The Speaker of the Lok Sabha can allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
•The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha can also allow a member to speak in their mother tongue.
•This permission is granted on a case-by-case basis.
•The provision aims to balance national languages with regional languages.
Exam Tip
Focus on who has the power to grant permission for using a mother tongue: the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
3. How does Article 120 work in practice within the Indian Parliament?
In practice, members typically conduct parliamentary business in Hindi or English. If a member is not proficient in either language, they can request permission from the Speaker or Chairman to speak in their mother tongue. Simultaneous interpretation services are often used to translate the member's speech for the benefit of other members.
4. What is the significance of Article 120 in Indian democracy?
Article 120 ensures that members of Parliament can effectively participate in parliamentary proceedings, regardless of their proficiency in Hindi or English. This promotes inclusivity and ensures that diverse voices are represented in the legislative process. It helps make Parliament more representative of India's linguistic diversity.
5. What are the challenges in implementing Article 120?
One challenge is providing adequate interpretation services for all recognized languages. Ensuring accurate and timely translation can be resource-intensive. Another challenge is managing the practical aspects of allowing multiple languages in parliamentary debates.
6. How has Article 120 evolved over time, considering the Official Languages Act, 1963?
Initially, English was intended to be phased out, but the Official Languages Act, 1963, allowed for the continued use of English alongside Hindi. This has influenced how Article 120 is interpreted and applied, ensuring the continued use of both languages in Parliament.
7. What is the relationship between Article 120 and the Official Languages Act, 1963?
The Official Languages Act, 1963, allows for the continued use of English, alongside Hindi, in Parliament. This Act complements Article 120 by providing a legal basis for the use of both languages, even after the initial 15-year period from the Constitution's commencement.
8. What reforms have been suggested to improve the implementation of Article 120?
Suggestions include expanding simultaneous interpretation services to cover more languages, investing in technology to improve translation accuracy, and providing language training for members of Parliament.
9. What are some common misconceptions about Article 120?
A common misconception is that Article 120 mandates the exclusive use of Hindi in Parliament. In reality, it allows for the use of English and provides a mechanism for members to use their mother tongue with permission.
10. How does India's approach to language in Parliament, as reflected in Article 120, compare with other countries?
Many countries with diverse linguistic landscapes have similar provisions to allow members to use languages other than the primary national language. However, the specific mechanisms and the extent of interpretation services vary widely.
11. What is the future of Article 120, considering the recent developments in translation technology and accessibility?
With advancements in AI-powered translation and interpretation, Article 120 may evolve to become more inclusive, allowing for seamless communication across a wider range of languages. The focus will likely be on improving accessibility and accuracy.
12. What are the important articles/sections related to Article 120?
The Official Languages Act, 1963 is closely related to Article 120. It provides the legal framework for the continued use of English alongside Hindi in Parliament.
