Article 120

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.