Home The Constitution Part V Article 120

Art. 120 Part V: The Union

Language to Be Used in Parliament

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) Notwithstanding anything in Part XVII, but subject to the provisions of article 348, business in Parliament shall be transacted in Hindi or in English: Provided that the Chairman of the Council of States or Speaker of the House of the People, or person acting as such, as the case may be, may permit any member who cannot adequately express himself in Hindi or in English to address the House in his mother-tongue.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article sets Hindi and English as the two languages for conducting Parliament's business, while specifically allowing the presiding officer to permit a member to address the House in their own mother tongue if they can't adequately express themselves in either Hindi or English — a practical accommodation reflecting India's genuine linguistic diversity even within the national legislature.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why you might occasionally hear an MP address Parliament in a regional language rather than Hindi or English — this Article specifically provides for that flexibility with the presiding officer's permission, ensuring language barriers don't prevent effective participation.

Read alongside this one

Art. 343 — Official Language of the Union

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 120

Can any MP simply choose to speak in their regional language whenever they want?

It requires the presiding officer's specific permission, generally granted when a member genuinely cannot adequately express themselves in Hindi or English — it's an accommodation, not an unrestricted choice available to every member regardless of their language proficiency.

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The text above reproduces Article 120 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.