The Authoritative Texts (Central Laws) Act, 1973
📘 The Authoritative Texts (Central Laws) Act, 1973
🔷 Introduction
The Authoritative Texts (Central Laws) Act, 1973 was enacted by the Indian Parliament to give legal recognition to authoritative texts of central laws in Hindi and to facilitate the progressive use of Hindi in legislative and judicial work. This Act is a key part of India’s constitutional and policy commitment to promote Hindi as one of the official languages, while ensuring legal clarity and consistency.
The Act was passed in the context of Article 348(2) and Article 351 of the Indian Constitution, which deal with the use of Hindi in legal documents and promote its development as a language of administration and legislation.
🔷 Objectives of the Act
To publish and declare official Hindi versions of Central Acts passed in English.
To ensure uniformity and authenticity of translated laws in Hindi.
To promote the progressive use of Hindi in judicial and legal fields.
To provide legal validity to Hindi translations of Central laws.
🔷 Constitutional Background
Article 348 of the Constitution of India
Article 348(1): Proceedings in the Supreme Court and High Courts and laws enacted by Parliament shall be in English.
Article 348(2): Allows for the President to authorize Hindi translations of Central laws which may be used in addition to English.
Article 351
Directs the Union to promote the spread of Hindi so that it may serve as a medium for all official purposes, including law and administration.
The Authoritative Texts (Central Laws) Act, 1973 was enacted to give effect to these constitutional directives.
🔷 Key Provisions of the Act
Section 2 – Declaration of Authoritative Hindi Texts
The President of India may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare that Hindi translations of Central Acts (originally enacted in English) shall be the authoritative text.
This includes:
The Constitution of India.
Laws passed by Parliament before and after the commencement of the Constitution.
Section 3 – Preparation and Publication of Texts
The authorized Hindi text is to be prepared by a Committee or body designated by the Government, such as:
The Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice.
Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (for terminology standards).
The President’s declaration makes these texts legally binding and equally authoritative as the English version.
Section 4 – Legal Status
Once declared, the Hindi version has the same legal force as the English version of the law.
However, in case of any conflict, English text prevails unless the President declares otherwise.
🔷 Scope of the Act
Applies to all Central laws — including Acts, Ordinances, and regulations.
Does not apply to State laws, unless states have enacted similar laws or adopted the central mechanism.
🔷 Importance of the Act
Promotes linguistic inclusion: Enables Hindi-speaking lawyers, judges, and citizens to access laws in their language.
Supports constitutional goals: Implements Articles 348(2) and 351.
Facilitates legal uniformity: Creates standard Hindi terminology for legal concepts.
Enables better access to justice: People with limited English proficiency can better understand laws.
🔷 Relevant Case Law
While there is limited direct litigation specifically under the Act, the following cases address related issues of language in law and courts:
⚖️ 1. Har Govind Pant v. Dr. Raghukul Tilak (1979) SC
Issue: Constitutional validity of use of Hindi in legal and administrative work.
Held: The Supreme Court upheld the validity of Article 348(2) and emphasized the importance of promoting Hindi as per Article 351.
Relevance: Supports the legislative intent behind the 1973 Act.
⚖️ 2. Union of India v. Gopal Dass (1985)
Issue: Use of Hindi in judicial proceedings.
Held: Though English remains the official language in higher judiciary, authorized Hindi translations can be used for reference if notified under law.
Relevance: Reinforces the need for accurate and legally recognized Hindi versions of central laws.
⚖️ 3. Akhil Bharatiya Hindi Samiti v. Union of India (2001)
Issue: Petition for faster promotion of Hindi in courts and law.
Held: The Court recognized the role of Article 351 and upheld that the Union has a duty to promote Hindi, but this must be balanced with legal clarity and national unity.
Relevance: Validates the purpose of the 1973 Act in a balanced constitutional framework.
🔷 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Act Name | The Authoritative Texts (Central Laws) Act, 1973 |
| Purpose | Declaration and use of Hindi as an authoritative text for Central laws |
| Applies To | All Central Acts enacted in English |
| Authority | President of India by Gazette Notification |
| Legal Force | Hindi texts have equal authority as English texts |
| Conflict Resolution | English text prevails in case of inconsistency (unless otherwise declared) |
| Based On | Articles 348(2) and 351 of the Constitution |
| Implementing Body | Ministry of Law and Justice, Legislative Department |
🔷 Conclusion
The Authoritative Texts (Central Laws) Act, 1973 is a foundational law supporting the linguistic and constitutional vision of promoting Hindi in legal administration. While English remains the primary legal language, this Act empowers the President to declare Hindi versions of Central laws as equally authoritative. It bridges the language gap in legal interpretation and enhances accessibility for the Hindi-speaking population.
The Act plays a crucial role in developing a bilingual legal system in India — a unique feature in a multilingual democracy.
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