Supreme Court Rejects PIL Seeking Commission on Hindi as Court Language

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a public interest litigation that sought directions to the Centre to set up a commission to examine and recommend the use of Hindi as an official language of the top court.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana observed that language-related reforms were already under consideration on the administrative side and could not be brought about through judicial orders.

The PIL was filed by Brahmeshwar Nath Mishra. Appearing for the petitioner, an advocate argued that the Centre could be directed to constitute such a commission and referred to various constitutional provisions in support of the plea.

The Chief Justice said the Supreme Court was already introducing language-related changes in a gradual and phased manner. "We are now giving a brief description of all the reports in Hindi. We will start with other regional languages," the CJI said, adding that the court would maintain the country's linguistic culture and respect regional languages.

The CJI further stated that such reforms do not come about through court orders but take shape as part of a slow, phased process. The bench also pointed out that the relief sought in the PIL would require a constitutional amendment.

The counsel pressed for at least a direction to constitute a commission, but the bench dismissed the PIL.