What is Article 120 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 120: Language to be used in Parliament (1) Notwithstanding anything in Part XVII, but subject to the provisions of article 348, business in Parliament
📅 Part V – The Union
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Article Number

120

part

Part V – The Union

Status

Active

Bare Acts Text

Article 120: Language to be used in Parliament

  • (1) Notwithstanding anything in Part XVII, but subject to the provisions of article 348, business in Parliament shall be transacted in Hindi or in English:
  • Provided that the Chairman of the Council of States or Speaker of the House of the People, or person acting as such, as the case may be, may permit any member who cannot adequately express himself in Hindi or in English to address the House in his mother-tongue.
  • (2) Unless Parliament 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.
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Full Definition & Explanation

Article 120 of the Indian Constitution specifies the languages used in Parliament. It primarily establishes that business in Parliament will be conducted in Hindi or English. This language provision reflects India’s linguistic diversity and aims to make parliamentary proceedings accessible to a broader population. The article also allows the Chairman of the Council of States or the Speaker of the House of the People to permit members to speak in their mother tongue if they cannot adequately express themselves in Hindi or English. This exception acknowledges that not all members may be fluent in these languages, ensuring their voices are heard in Parliament. The article is major as it illustrates India’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity within its legislative processes. The provision that permits the use of regional languages allows members from various states to contribute to discussions in a language they are comfortable with. This can lead to richer debates and a more comprehensive understanding of issues faced by different regions. It also fosters a sense of belonging among members from diverse linguistic backgrounds, promoting unity in diversity. However, there is a timeline attached to this provision. Article 120 states that, unless Parliament decides otherwise, the use of English will be phased out after 15 years from the Constitution’s commencement. This means that there was an expectation for a gradual transition to Hindi as the primary language in Parliament. The article reflects both the historical context of India’s colonial past and the aspirations for a more Indian-centric governance model.

Historical Context

It primarily establishes that business in Parliament will be conducted in Hindi or English. This language provision reflects India’s linguistic diversity and aims to make parliamentary proceedings accessible to a broader population. The article also allows the Chairman of the Council of States or the Speaker of the House of the People to permit members to speak in their mother tongue if they cannot adequately express themselves in Hindi or English. This exception acknowledges that not all members may be fluent in these languages, ensuring their voices are heard in Parliament.

Key Features

– Parliament’s business can be conducted in Hindi or English.
– Members may use their mother tongue if they cannot express themselves adequately.
– The article aims for inclusivity in parliamentary discussions.
– There is a provision to phase out English after 15 years.
– The Chairman or Speaker can permit language exceptions.

Importance & Impact

– Promotes linguistic diversity in parliamentary discussions and debates
– Ensures representation for non-Hindi or English speaking members
– Encourages regional languages in the legislative process
– Aims to make parliamentary proceedings accessible and inclusive
– Helps maintain communication equity among diverse linguistic groups

Sample UPSC Question

Consider the following statements about Article 120: 1. Business in Parliament is conducted in Hindi or English. 2. Article 120 permits regional language use after the Speaker’s or Chairman’s permission. 3. The use of English in Parliament was to cease after 15 years from 1950. 4. The Official Languages Act 1963 continued English as a language of Parliament. Which statements are correct? a) 1 and 3 only b) 1, 2 and 4 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer

Answer: d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Statement 1 is correct per Article 120(1). Statement 2 is correct — the Speaker or Chairman can permit regional language use. Statement 3 is correct — Article 120(2) gave a 15-year transitional period for English. Statement 4 is correct — the Official Languages Act 1963 ensured English continues alongside Hindi in Parliament beyond the transitional period.

Key Takeaways

✓ Parliament operates in Hindi or English languages
✓ Members can use their mother tongue if needed.
✓ Article promotes linguistic inclusivity in discussions
✓ English may be phased out after 15 years.
✓ Chairman or Speaker can allow language exceptions

FAQs

Article 120 of the Indian Constitution specifies the languages used in Parliament. It primarily establishes that business in Parliament will be conducted in Hindi or English. This language provision reflects India’s linguistic diversity and aims to make parliamentary proceedings accessible to a broader population. The article also allows the Chairman of the Council of States or the Speaker of the House of the People to permit members to speak in their mother tongue if they cannot adequately express themselves in Hindi or English.

The provision that permits the use of regional languages allows members from various states to contribute to discussions in a language they are comfortable with. This can lead to richer debates and a more comprehensive understanding of issues faced by different regions. It also fosters a sense of belonging among members from diverse linguistic backgrounds, promoting unity in diversity.

Article 120 states that, unless Parliament decides otherwise, the use of English will be phased out after 15 years from the Constitution’s commencement. This means that there was an expectation for a gradual transition to Hindi as the primary language in Parliament. The article reflects both the historical context of India’s colonial past and the aspirations for a more Indian-centric governance model.

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Pramod is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of StudyHub. He holds a Master's degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geology, alongside more than 7+ years spent building and verifying competitive exam content for Indian aspirants. He leads StudyHub's editorial process across Indian Polity, the Constitution, Indian Economy, History, Geography, Science, and the platform's other subject areas — checking every article against primary sources (bare act text and Gazette notifications for constitutional topics, government and Economic Survey data for economy content, standard reference material elsewhere) and flagging it for re-verification whenever a relevant amendment, policy, or data update makes an earlier version outdated.
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