‘CJI gave negative opinion on use of Hindi in courts’

New Delhi

Rijiju said for use of Hindi and other regional languages, there is a provision in the Constitution and the government wants to promote Hindi and other regional languages. “There is an order passed by Cabinet in 1965 which states that before taking a decision on using Hindi in courts, the opinion of the Chief Justice of India should be taken,” he said.

“Government has taken his (CJI) opinion and his opinion was negative and the matter did not move forward. The matter stands there,” he said during question hour. The Minister, however, said there are four states where Hindi is used extensively in courts. Hindi is used along with English in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar.

“There is a proposal to use it in other states too. With the consent of Governor and President, such a step can be taken,” he said.

Replying to a supplementary that Hindi is not used in Patna High Court, Rijiju said if that was the case, it was a serious matter and the MPs of the state should take up the issue with the Governor and the Chief Minister of Bihar.

The minister said government is in favour of promoting Hindi and all other regional languages. He said the Department of Official Languages receives complaints regarding reply given in English to communications received in Hindi by Central government organisations.

As per the received data, 99.4 per cent letters were received in Hindi and have been replied to in Hindi only. Therefore, the cases of violation are negligible. Similarly, some complaints have been received in the department regarding issuance of press release in English only, he said. Rijiju said such complaints are forwarded to the administrative head of the concerned organisation for action as per rules.