Special provision relating to language spoken by a section of the population of a State
Quick Summary (TL;DR)
Article 347 (Special provision relating to language spoken by a section of the population of a State): Regulates official languages of the Union, States, Judiciary, and linguistic minority protections under Part XVII.
In Simple Citizen Words
Article 347 ('Special provision relating to language spoken by a section of the population of a State') in Part XVII (Official Language, Articles 343–351) harmonizes India's rich linguistic diversity. It governs the official language of the Union (Arts 343–344), regional official languages adopted by States (Arts 345–347), language of the Supreme Court, High Courts, and authoritative Bills/Acts (Art 348), the right of every citizen to submit grievance petitions in any language used in the Union or State (Art 350), and primary education in the mother tongue (Art 350A). Specifically: On a demand being made in that behalf the President may, if he is satisfied that a substantial proportion of the population of a State desire the use of any language spoken by them to be recognised by that State, direct that such language...
Key Constitutional Provisions
Constitutional Mandate (Art. 347): Directly codifies the legal rule for 'Special provision relating to language spoken by a section of the population of a State' under Part XVII
Sets a direct, self-contained constitutional command binding on public authorities across India
Exercises of constitutional office under this article must follow aid, advice, and established constitutional conventions
Exceptions & Reasonable Restrictions
Under Article 350, no authority can reject a citizen's representation for redress of grievances merely because it is written in any regional/Eighth Schedule language used in the Union or the State.
Why This Matters in Daily Life
Respects India's multilingual heritage by ensuring governance and grievance redressal remain accessible in people's own languages.
Want deeper legal & historical context? Explore the official Bare Act or Supreme Court Precedents & CAD Debates: