A PIL in the Madras High Court names three new Indian criminal laws in Hindi as Sanskrit violate the Constitution.

India is a land of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. And is a country which always holds its pride in its rich heritage. However, in recent years, there’s been a growing trend to impose Hindi as the primary language in various spheres, including legislative processes. The recent move to name three new criminal laws in Hindi is the latest example of this trend. While the intention might be to promote a sense of national unity, this step could have several unintended consequences.

India is home to 22 officially recognized languages and hundreds of dialects. By naming laws exclusively in Hindi, the government risks alienating non-Hindi-speaking populations. In states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, and others, where Hindi is not the primary language but their mother tongue is, this move could be seen as an imposition rather than an inclusion So that the non-Hindi speakers in India are being Marginalized. And it’s not only affecting the diversity but also the country’s technicalities in Law. Legal language needs to be precise and unambiguous. Translating complex legal terms and concepts into Hindi could lead to misinterpretations and inconsistencies. This is especially concerning in a country where the judicial system already faces challenges related to delayed justice and case backlogs. Ensuring that laws are clear and understandable to all is paramount, and introducing them in a language unfamiliar to many could worsen the existing issues.

India’s legal system is based on a blend of ancient Indian, Mughal, and British laws. Most of the legal terminologies and principles are derived from English. Switching to Hindi for naming laws could disrupt this continuity and create a disconnect with the existing legal framework. It’s essential to recognize that the legal language has evolved over centuries and is not merely about communication but also about preserving judicial integrity. English is a global language and provides a competitive edge to Indian professionals in the international arena. By prioritizing Hindi in legal matters, there’s a risk of undermining the importance of English, which could have broader economic and educational implications. Students and professionals might find themselves at a disadvantage if there’s a shift away from English, which remains the lingua franca of global business and diplomacy.

Instead of imposing a single language, the focus should be on celebrating and promoting multilingualism. Efforts should be made to ensure that laws are accessible in multiple languages, reflecting the true spirit of Indian democracy. This approach would foster a sense of inclusion and respect for all linguistic communities.

While the promotion of Hindi is a commendable goal, it should not come at the cost of marginalizing other languages and communities. Naming new criminal laws in Hindi might seem like a step towards national integration, but it could have far-reaching negative consequences. The government should reconsider this move and ensure that the legal framework remains inclusive, clear, and accessible to all Indians, regardless of their linguistic background. India’s diversity is its greatest asset, and our laws should reflect this rich tapestry of cultures and languages. Feel free to make any modifications or add any personal anecdotes to better suit your style and audience!