Home The Constitution Part XVII Article 347

Art. 347 Part XVII: Official Language

Special Provision Relating to Language Spoken by a Section of the Population of a State

Exact text — Constitution of India

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 shall also be officially recognised throughout that State or any part thereof for such purpose as he may specify.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article gives the President power to direct that an additional language be officially recognised within a state (or part of it), if satisfied a substantial section of that state's population wants it — a specific safeguard for linguistic minorities within a state whose primary official language might be different from their own.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is a protective mechanism for linguistic minorities within a state — someone speaking a minority language in a particular state isn't left with zero official recognition just because the state's main official language is different; this Article provides a formal route to seek additional recognition.

Read alongside this one

Art. 29 — Protection of Interests of Minorities Art. 350a — Facilities for Instruction in the Mother Tongue

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 347

Who can invoke this Article — an individual or the state government?

The Article contemplates 'a demand being made' by or on behalf of the population concerned, which the President then assesses — it's not automatic and requires the President to be satisfied a substantial proportion genuinely desires this recognition.

← PreviousArticle 346: Official Language for Communication Between One State and Another or Between a State and the Union Next →Article 348: Language to Be Used in the Supreme Court and in the High Courts and for Acts, Bills, etc.

The text above reproduces Article 347 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.