Home The Constitution Part VI Article 210

Art. 210 Part VI: The States

Language to Be Used in the Legislature

Exact text — Constitution of India

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

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

The state-level mirror of Article 120 — State Legislature business is conducted in that state's own official language(s), or Hindi or English, with the same flexibility for a member to address the House in their mother tongue with the presiding officer's permission if needed.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why State Assembly proceedings are typically conducted in the relevant regional language, unlike Parliament's Hindi/English default — reflecting each state's own linguistic character.

Read alongside this one

Art. 120 — Language to Be Used in Parliament

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 210

Why does State Legislature language differ from Parliament's Hindi/English rule?

This Article specifically allows use of the state's OWN official language(s), reflecting India's linguistic diversity and each state's distinct primary language, rather than confining state proceedings to just Hindi or English.

← PreviousArticle 209: Regulation by Law of Procedure in the Legislature of the State in Relation to Financial Business Next →Article 211: Restriction on Discussion in the Legislature

The text above reproduces Article 210 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.