Part XXII - Short Title, Commencement, Authoritative Text in Hindi and Repeals • Article

Article 394A Simplified: Authoritative text in the Hindi language

Article 394A was added in 1987. It directs the President to publish an official, authoritative translation of the Constitution and all its amendments in the Hindi language. It ensures that the Hindi version carries the same legal weight as the original English text in courts of law.

Official Text

(1) The President shall cause to be published under his authority,— (a) the translation of this Constitution in the Hindi language, signed by the members of the Constituent Assembly, with such modifications as may be necessary to bring it into conformity with the language, style and terminology adopted in the authoritative texts of Central Acts in the Hindi language, and incorporating therein all the amendments of this Constitution made before such publication; and (b) the translation in the Hindi language of every amendment of this Constitution made in the English language. (2) The translation of this Constitution and of every amendment thereof published under clause (1) shall be construed to have the same meaning as the original thereof and if any difficulty arises in so construing any part of such translation, the President shall cause the same to be revised suitably. (3) The translation of this Constitution and of every amendment thereof published under this article shall be deemed to be, for all purposes, the authoritative text thereof in the Hindi language.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

This rule says that the President must publish an official version of the Constitution and all its changes in Hindi, and this Hindi version must be treated with the same respect and legal power in courts as the English version.

Student Mode

Article 394A was inserted by the 58th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1987. It directs the President to publish the authoritative translation of the Constitution in the Hindi language (incorporating all amendments) and the translation in Hindi of every subsequent amendment made in English. These translations carry the same legal weight as the English original and are deemed the 'authoritative text' in Hindi for all legal purposes.

Example

If a legal dispute arises in a Hindi-speaking region over the exact meaning of a clause in Hindi, the official version published under Article 394A is presented in court as the legally binding, authoritative Hindi text.

Key Takeaway

Authorizes the President to publish and maintain the official, legally binding authoritative translation of the Constitution in the Hindi language.

FAQs

Why was Article 394A added in 1987?

Although a Hindi translation of the Constitution was signed by the members of the Constituent Assembly in 1950, it did not have constitutional 'authoritative' status in courts of law. The 58th Amendment was passed to give the official Hindi translation the same legal authority and validity as the English version.

Who resolves any translation or interpretation difficulties under Article 394A?

Under Clause (2), if any difficulty arises in construing the Hindi translation, the President shall cause the same to be revised suitably.

Quiz

Which amendment inserted Article 394A regarding the authoritative Hindi text in 1987?

Answer: 58th Amendment

Under Article 394A(2), who has the final authority to revise the Hindi translation if any difficulty in meaning arises?

Answer: The President of India