The Official Languages Act, 1963 was passed to provide for the languages used for official purposes of the Union, business in Parliament, Central and State Acts, and certain purposes in High Courts. The Act is directly linked to Article 343 of the Indian Constitution.
Article 343 allowed English to continue for official purposes for 15 years after the Constitution came into force. Since this period was ending in 1965, the Act ensured that English could continue even after that period, along with Hindi. It helped India balance Hindi as the official language of the Union with the needs of a multilingual country.
Official Languages Act, 1963: Key Highlights
| Point | Details |
| Name of Act | The Official Languages Act, 1963 |
| Act Number | Act No. 19 of 1963 |
| Date of Act | 10 May 1963 |
| Main Purpose | To provide for languages used for official purposes of the Union |
| Related Constitutional Article | Article 343 of Indian Constitution |
| Main Languages Covered | Hindi and English |
| Section 3 Commencement Date | 26 January 1965 |
| Parliament Use | English may continue for transaction of business in Parliament |
| Union Official Work | English may continue along with Hindi |
| Central Acts and Ordinances | Authorised Hindi translations can be published |
| High Court Use | Hindi or state official language may be used with President’s consent and English translation |
| Rule-Making Power | Central Government can make rules under Section 8 |
Why Was the Official Languages Act, 1963 Passed?
To continue English after 1965: Article 343 allowed English for 15 years after the Indian Constitution began. The Act gave legal support for English to continue after that period.
- To avoid sudden administrative change: Government work, Parliament, legal documents, and official communication were already using English. Removing it suddenly would have created confusion.
- To respect non-Hindi speaking states: Many states had not adopted Hindi as their official language. The Act protected their communication needs with the Union Government.
- To support Hindi and English together: The Act did not remove Hindi. It allowed Hindi and English to work together for Union official purposes.
- To regulate Parliament and official documents: The Act clarified language use in Parliament, Central Acts, State Acts, reports, rules, notifications, contracts, and official papers.
- To provide language rules for High Courts: It allowed the use of Hindi or a state’s official language in High Court judgments, decrees, or orders, but only with the President’s consent and English translation.
- To maintain public and administrative convenience: The Act ensured that people working in Hindi or English were not placed at a disadvantage only because they did not know both languages.
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Section 1: Short Title and Commencement
Section 1 of the Official Languages Act, 1963 gives the short title and commencement details of the Act. It says that this law may be called The Official Languages Act, 1963. It also explains when different provisions of the Act would come into force.
Section 3 was specifically fixed to come into force on 26 January 1965, the date when the 15-year period mentioned in Article 343 was ending. Other provisions were to come into force on dates notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette.
- The Act is officially called The Official Languages Act, 1963.
- Section 3 came into force on 26 January 1965.
- Other provisions came into force on dates notified by the Central Government.
- Different dates could be appointed for different provisions of the Act.
- The commencement structure shows that the Act was planned around the end of the 15-year English continuation period under Article 343.
Section 2: Important Definitions Under the Act
Section 2 of the Official Languages Act, 1963 gives two important definitions that help us understand the Act clearly. It defines the meaning of appointed day and Hindi. These definitions are short, but they are important because the Act deals with the use of Hindi and English for official purposes.
The Act does not use the word Hindi in a general sense. It clearly says that Hindi means Hindi in Devanagari script. It also links the appointed day for Section 3 to 26 January 1965, the date when the 15-year period under Article 343 was ending.
| Term | Meaning Under the Act |
| Appointed Day | For Section 3, it means 26 January 1965 |
| Appointed Day for Other Sections | The date on which that particular provision comes into force |
| Hindi | Hindi in Devanagari script |
- Section 2 defines “appointed day” and “Hindi.”
- For Section 3, the appointed day is 26 January 1965.
- The Act defines Hindi as Hindi in Devanagari script.
- This definition connects the Act directly with Article 343.
- It helps avoid confusion between spoken Hindi and official Hindi used under the Act.
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Section 3: Continuance of English Language
Section 3 is the most important part of the Official Languages Act, 1963. It says that even after the end of the 15-year period mentioned in Article 343, English may continue to be used in addition to Hindi for official purposes of the Union. This provision became important because the 15-year period from 26 January 1950 was ending on 26 January 1965. Without this Act, there could have been confusion about the role of English in Union government work, Parliament, and communication with states.
Section 3 also says that English may continue to be used for the transaction of business in Parliament. It further protects states that have not adopted Hindi as their official language by requiring English for communication between the Union and such states.
- English continues after the 15-year period mentioned in Article 343.
- English is used in addition to Hindi, not in place of Hindi.
- English can be used for official purposes of the Union.
- English can be used for the transaction of business in Parliament.
- English must be used for communication between the Union and a state that has not adopted Hindi.
- If Hindi is used between a Hindi-speaking state and a non-Hindi-speaking state, English translation must also be provided.
- This section is the main legal reason English continues in Union government work.
Communication Rules Under Section 3
Section 3 also explains how communication should happen between the Union, states, ministries, departments, offices, and government-owned companies. The main purpose is to ensure that language does not create confusion in official work. The Act gives space to Hindi, but it also protects the use of English, especially where communication involves non-Hindi speaking states or offices where staff may not have working knowledge of Hindi.
| Communication Situation | Language Rule |
| Union Government and a state that has not adopted Hindi | English must be used |
| Hindi state communicating with a non-Hindi state in Hindi | English translation must be attached |
| Non-Hindi state using Hindi with the Union or Hindi state | Allowed; English is not compulsory in that case |
| One Central Government ministry or department to another | Translation in Hindi or English may be required |
| Central Government office and Central Government-owned company | Translation may be required |
| One Central Government-owned company to another | Translation may be required |
| Staff without working knowledge of Hindi | Translation support continues until working knowledge is acquired |
Where Both Hindi and English Must Be Used?
Section 3(3) clearly lists documents and official materials where both Hindi and English must be used.
| Document / Official Work | Language Requirement |
| Resolutions | Hindi and English |
| General orders | Hindi and English |
| Rules | Hindi and English |
| Notifications | Hindi and English |
| Administrative reports | Hindi and English |
| Other official reports | Hindi and English |
| Press communiques | Hindi and English |
| Reports laid before Parliament | Hindi and English |
| Official papers laid before Parliament | Hindi and English |
| Contracts | Hindi and English |
| Agreements | Hindi and English |
| Licences | Hindi and English |
| Permits | Hindi and English |
| Notices | Hindi and English |
| Tender forms | Hindi and English |
Protection for Officers Knowing Hindi or English
Section 3(4) protects officers and employees working in connection with Union government affairs. It says that while making rules about language use, the Central Government must consider quick and efficient disposal of official work and the interests of the general public.
- Central Government can make rules for language use.
- Rules must support quick and efficient official work.
- Public interest must be considered.
- Employees knowing Hindi should not be disadvantaged.
- Employees knowing English should not be disadvantaged.
- Knowledge of both languages should not be forced in a way that harms work.
- The Act protects administrative fairness.
When Can English Use Be Discontinued?
Section 3(5) makes it clear that English cannot be discontinued suddenly. The use of English for official purposes can stop only after a strict process.
- English use cannot be stopped by the Union Government alone.
- All non-Hindi states must pass resolutions for discontinuing English.
- Both Houses of Parliament must also pass resolutions.
- Until this process happens, English continues.
- This provision protects non-Hindi speaking states.
- It also shows that the Act was made to balance Hindi promotion with linguistic diversity.
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Section 4: Committee on Official Language
Section 4 of the Official Languages Act, 1963 provides for the formation of a Committee on Official Language. This committee is meant to review the progress made in the use of Hindi for official purposes of the Union.
| Point | Details |
| Section | Section 4 |
| Committee Name | Committee on Official Language |
| Formation Time | After 10 years from the date Section 3 comes into force |
| Total Members | 30 |
| Lok Sabha Members | 20 |
| Rajya Sabha Members | 10 |
| Election Method | Proportional representation by single transferable vote |
| Main Duty | Review progress in the use of Hindi for Union official purposes |
| Report Submitted To | President of India |
| Report Sent To | Parliament and State Governments |
- The committee reviews the use of Hindi in Union government work.
- It submits recommendations to the President.
- The President lays the report before both Houses of Parliament.
- The report is also sent to all State Governments.
- The President may issue directions after considering the report and views of State Governments.
- Directions must not be inconsistent with Section 3.
Section 5: Authorised Hindi Translation of Central Acts
Section 5 of the Official Languages Act, 1963 deals with the authorised Hindi translation of Central Acts, Ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, and by-laws. It says that when a Hindi translation is published under the authority of the President in the Official Gazette, it shall be treated as the authoritative text in Hindi.
This section is important because it gives legal value to official Hindi translations of Central laws. It also says that Bills introduced in Parliament, or amendments moved in either House, must be accompanied by an authorised Hindi translation. This helps make Union laws accessible in Hindi while keeping legal accuracy.
Section 6: Authorised Hindi Translation of State Acts
Section 6 deals with authorised Hindi translation of State Acts in certain cases. If a State Legislature uses a language other than Hindi for its Acts or if the Governor issues an Ordinance in a language other than Hindi, a Hindi translation may also be published. This translation must be published under the authority of the Governor in the Official Gazette of the State.
When this is done, the Hindi translation is treated as the authoritative text in Hindi. This section is useful because states in India use different official languages. Section 6 allows Hindi translations of State laws without replacing the state’s own language.
| Point | Details |
| Section | Section 6 |
| Topic | Authorised Hindi translation of State Acts |
| Applies To | State Acts and Ordinances |
| Authority | Governor of the State |
| Where Published | Official Gazette of the State |
| When Used | When a State uses a language other than Hindi |
| Legal Status | Authoritative text in Hindi |
| English Link | Article 348(3) also requires English translation in certain cases |
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Section 7: Optional Use of Hindi or State Official Language in High Courts
Section 7 allows the use of Hindi or the official language of a State in High Court judgments, decrees, or orders. However, this use is not automatic. The Governor of the State must get the previous consent of the President before authorizing such use.
Even when a judgment, decree, or order is passed in Hindi or the State’s official language, an English translation must be attached. This translation must be issued under the authority of the High Court. This section is important because it allows regional language use in High Courts, but keeps English available for legal clarity and wider understanding.
| Point | Details |
| Section | Section 7 |
| Topic | Use of Hindi or State official language in High Courts |
| Who Can Authorize | Governor of the State |
| Required Consent | Previous consent of the President |
| Applies To | High Court judgment, decree, or order |
| English Translation | Required if judgment is not in English |
| Translation Authority | High Court |
| Nature of Provision | Optional, not automatic |
Section 8: Power to Make Rules
Section 8 gives the Central Government power to make rules for carrying out the purposes of the Official Languages Act, 1963. These rules are made by notification in the Official Gazette. This section helps the government create practical rules for applying the Act in real official work.
The section also provides parliamentary control over rule-making. Every rule made under this section must be placed before both Houses of Parliament. If both Houses agree to modify or reject the rule, the rule will work only in the modified form or will have no effect.
| Point | Details |
| Section | Section 8 |
| Topic | Power to make rules |
| Rule-Making Authority | Central Government |
| Mode | Notification in the Official Gazette |
| Purpose | To carry out the purposes of the Act |
| Parliamentary Control | Rules must be laid before both Houses of Parliament |
| Modification | Parliament can modify rules |
| Annulment | Parliament can decide that a rule should not be made |
Section 9: Jammu & Kashmir
Section 9 earlier dealt with certain provisions not applying to Jammu and Kashmir. However, this section has now been omitted. The omission was made through legal changes linked with the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation and related adaptation orders.
The important point is that Section 9 is no longer active in the Act. When revising the Official Languages Act, 1963, remember that Section 9 has been omitted and should not be treated as a current operative provision.
| Point | Details |
| Section | Section 9 |
| Earlier Topic | Certain provisions not to apply to Jammu and Kashmir |
| Current Status | Omitted |
| Omitted By | Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation-related adaptation orders |
| Exam Note | Section 9 is not a current operative provision |
Official Languages Act, 1963 PDF
Download our free PDF covering the purpose of the Act, Section 3, use of Hindi and English, language rules for Parliament, Central Acts, State Acts, High Courts, and important exam facts.
FAQs About Official Languages Act, 1963
The Official Languages Act, 1963 is a law that provides for the languages used for official purposes of the Union, business in Parliament, Central and State Acts, and certain purposes in High Courts.
The Official Languages Act, 1963 was enacted on 10 May 1963. It is Act No. 19 of 1963.
The Act was passed to allow English to continue for official purposes of the Union even after the 15-year period mentioned in Article 343 ended. It also regulated the use of Hindi and English in official work.
The Act is directly linked with Article 343 of the Indian Constitution. Article 343 deals with the official language of the Union.
No. The Act continued the use of English for Union government work, Parliament business, official communication, and other purposes.
No. The Official Languages Act, 1963 does not make Hindi the national language. It deals with official language use. India has no national language.
The Committee on Official Language is a parliamentary committee created under Section 4. It reviews the progress made in the use of Hindi for official purposes of the Union.
The Committee has 30 members. Out of these, 20 are from Lok Sabha and 10 are from Rajya Sabha.
Yes, Hindi or the official language of a State can be used in High Court judgments, decrees, or orders, but only with the previous consent of the President.
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