Article 120 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Language to be used in Parliament
📜 What Article 120 States:
Article 120 lays down the rules regarding the language to be used in Parliamentary proceedings.
✅ Key Provisions:
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Official Language:
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The business in Parliament shall be transacted in Hindi or English.
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Use of Other Languages (Temporary Provision):
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A member of Parliament who cannot adequately express themselves in Hindi or English may address the House in their mother tongue, with the permission of the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha).
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Presiding Officer’s Responsibility:
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The Speaker or Chairman must ensure that the dignity and order of the House is maintained, even when other languages are used.
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🏛️ Why Article 120 is Important:
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Promotes national unity through the use of official languages — Hindi and English.
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Also respects linguistic diversity by allowing members to use regional languages, ensuring inclusive participation.
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Balances the use of national languages with the freedom of expression for members from different linguistic backgrounds.
🧾 Example:
If a member from Tamil Nadu is not comfortable speaking in Hindi or English, they can speak in Tamil during parliamentary debates, if permitted by the Speaker.
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