Article 120 of CoI : Article 120: Language to be used in Parliament.
CoI
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Explanation using Example
Example 1:
Mr. Sharma, a Member of Parliament (MP) from a rural constituency in Tamil Nadu, is not fluent in Hindi or English. During a parliamentary session, he wishes to discuss a critical issue affecting his constituency. According to Article 120, Mr. Sharma can request permission from the Speaker of the House of the People to address the Parliament in Tamil, his mother-tongue. The Speaker grants this permission, allowing Mr. Sharma to effectively communicate his concerns and participate in the legislative process.
Example 2:
Ms. Patel, an MP from Gujarat, is more comfortable speaking in Gujarati than in Hindi or English. During a debate on a new agricultural bill, she finds it challenging to articulate her points in the official languages. She approaches the Chairman of the Council of States and requests to speak in Gujarati. The Chairman, recognizing her difficulty, permits her to use her mother-tongue. This ensures that Ms. Patel can contribute meaningfully to the debate, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of India.
Example 3:
Fifteen years after the commencement of the Constitution, a new law is proposed in Parliament to remove the use of English in parliamentary business, as per the provision in Article 120(2). However, many MPs argue that English is still widely used and understood across the country. After extensive debate, Parliament decides not to enact the law, thereby continuing the use of both Hindi and English for conducting business in Parliament. This decision helps maintain inclusivity and ensures that MPs from different linguistic backgrounds can participate effectively.