S. RAJAMANICKAM Vs. THE CABINET SECRETARY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner, as well as the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents. This Writ Petition has been filed, as a Public Interest Litigation, praying that this Court may be pleased to issue a Writ of Declaration, declaring all the Languages found in Schedule VIII of the Constitution of India, as National and Official Languages of the Union of India and to pass such further orders, as this Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of the case.

(2.) THE petitioner has stated that there are 22 Languages shown in Schedule VIII of the Constitution of India. Articles 343 to 351 of the Constitution of India relate to the Language Policy to be followed by the Union of India. However, due to the two language formula adopted by the Union of India, for the purpose of Official Communications, enormous delay has been caused, with regard to the communications relating to Non -Hindi Speaking States. Further, if English, which is said to be a link language, is given up, it would add to the confusion, with regard to the communications between the Centre and the States.

(3.) IT has also been stated that, if Hindi is made as the Language for all Official Communications, the People belonging to the Non -Hindi speaking States would be seriously prejudiced.