Should higher courts conduct business in Indian languages, too? -Governance Now

Should higher courts conduct business in Indian languages, too?

Madurai bench has given oral permission for use of Tamil

GN Bureau | March 29, 2010

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has given “oral permission” to two lawyers to argue their cases in Tamil. This is only an “oral permission” while English continues to be the only official language in the court through its 148-year-old history.

As one of the lawyers has pointed out, the legal fraternity sometimes feel the legal debate could have been qualitatively different but for their lack of command over English. If that is the case with lawyers, imagine the plight of their clients whose future is being debated in the courtroom and they have no clue what is being said. And yet our higher courts continue to transact their business in English.

English may have a case if there are any tangible benefits out of it. But benefits of allowing regional languages in the respective regions are obvious, such a move can take the process of justice to the last person.

Isn't it time the higher judiciary recognised Indian languages – at least where it is feasible to do so?

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