Part VI - The States • Article

Article 210 Simplified: Language to be used in the Legislature

Article 210 sets the language rules for State Legislatures. Business must be conducted in the state's official language(s), Hindi, or English. The English option was intended to phase out after 15 years (by 1965), but most states continue using English by passing legislation. A compassionate exception exists: if a member cannot express themselves adequately in any of those languages, the Speaker may permit them to speak in their mother tongue.

Official Text

(1) Notwithstanding anything in Part XVII, but subject to the provisions of article 348, business in the Legislature of a State shall be transacted in the official language or languages of the State or in Hindi or in English: Provided that the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Chairman of the Legislative Council, or person acting as such, as the case may be, may permit any member who cannot adequately express himself in any of the languages aforesaid to address the House in his mother-tongue. (2) Unless the Legislature of the State by law otherwise provides, this article shall, after the expiration of a period of fifteen years from the commencement of this Constitution, have effect as if the words “or in English” were omitted therefrom: [Provided that in relation to the [Legislatures of the States of Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura] this clause shall have effect as if for the words “fifteen years” occurring therein, the words “twenty-five years” were substituted:] [Provided further that in relation to the [Legislatures of the States of [Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Mizoram]], this clause shall have effect as if for the words "fifteen years" occurring therein, the words "forty years" were substituted.]

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

Imagine a school where classes must be taught in either the local language, Hindi, or English. But if a student can't speak any of those well, the teacher can let them answer in their home language. Article 210 works the same way for State Assembly members—they must speak in the state's official language, Hindi, or English, but the Speaker can allow someone to speak in their mother tongue if they can't manage the others.

Student Mode

Article 210 mirrors Article 120 (Parliament's language article). Key rules: (1) State Legislature business in official state language(s), Hindi, or English; (2) English was scheduled to phase out after 15 years (by 1965), but states can legislate to continue it; (3) Special extended periods for certain states: 25 years for Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura; 40 years for Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram; (4) Speaker/Chairman exception: any member who cannot adequately express in the prescribed languages may be permitted to speak in their mother tongue.

Example

In the Tamil Nadu Assembly, proceedings can be conducted in Tamil (official language), Hindi, or English. An elderly tribal MLA who is most comfortable in a local dialect can, with the Speaker's permission, address the House in that language. When Tamil Nadu passed a law continuing English use after 1965, that law overrode the phasing-out clause.

Key Takeaway

Article 210 requires State Legislature business in the official state language, Hindi, or English—with an exception allowing any member to speak in their mother tongue with the Speaker's permission.

FAQs

Why did the Constitution provide for phasing out English in State Legislatures?

The founders intended for regional and national languages to gradually replace English as India became more self-sufficient linguistically. However, practical needs of governance, legal drafting, and inter-state communication led most states to retain English through legislative extensions.

Can an MLA always demand to speak in their mother tongue?

No. The right is not absolute—it requires the Speaker or Chairman's permission. The Speaker has discretion and will typically allow it when the member genuinely cannot express themselves adequately in the prescribed languages.

Quiz

Under Article 210, who may permit a State Legislature member to speak in their mother tongue?

Answer: The Speaker or Chairman

For how many years was the English language option in State Legislatures originally scheduled to phase out under Article 210(2)?

Answer: 15 years