Tamil Nadu News

Regional Languages in High Courts

November 5 , 2026 12 hrs 0 min 33 0

The Madras High Court Advocates Association (MHAA) has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the 1965 Union Cabinet decision to continue English as the common language of the Supreme Court and all High Courts.
The 1965 decision recommended continuing English until Hindi became suitable as a common language and opposed the introduction of regional languages in High Courts.
MHAA argued that the decision violates Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
Article 348(2) empowers the Governor, with the President's prior consent, to authorise the use of a State's official language in High Court proceedings, except for judgments, decrees and orders.
Tamil Nadu's proposals in 2006 and 2014 to introduce Tamil in the Madras High Court were rejected by the Centre.
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed another resolution on 3 September 2026 seeking the use of Tamil in the Madras High Court.