MURALI PURUSHOTHAMAN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) O.P. admitted. Notice made returnable forthwith. Learned Additional Advocate General waives service for respondents. By consent, the Original Petition called out for hearing and heard.

(2.) This petition in public interest seeks a writ of mandamus to the State of Kerala to direct it to publish English translation of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and the Rules and the Kerala Municipality Act and the Rules in the Official Gazette and also the English translations of all Bills, Acts, Ordinances, Bye laws, etc. published in Malayalam simultaneously with their introduction, passing, promulgation or issue.

(3.) Art.348(1)(b) of the Constitution requires that the authoritative texts of all Bills to be introduced or amendments thereto to be moved in either House of Parliament or in the House or either House of Legislature of a State, and of all Acts passed by the Legislature of a State and of all Ordinances promulgated by the Governor of a State, and of all orders, rules, regulations and bye laws issued under this Constitution or under any law made by the Legislature of a State should be in the English language. Cl.(3) of Art.348 of the Constitution permits usage of any local language other than the English language for use in the Legislature of the State, but requires that a translation of the same in the English language published under the authority of the Governor of the State in the Official Gazette of that State shall be deemed to be authoritative text thereof in the English language, as required by the said Article.