Lot Of Hurdles & Bottlenecks In Implementation Of Regional Languages In High Courts: CJI NV Ramana

While speaking at a joint press conference held with Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, the CJI said that the hurdles exist as sometimes the Chief Justices and Judges, being from different states, themselves may not be familiar with the local language.

Terming it a 'serious issue', the CJI pointed out that the request for implementation of regional languages was rejected by a full court of the Supreme Court when he joined the Apex Court.

He stated that thereafter no proposal has come before the court, even though the demand for implementation of regional languages has been there, particularly now in Tamil Nadu.

The CJI further pointed out that the Judiciary doesn't have enough technology or systems where entire record can be translated to local language or from local language to English.

While Artificial Intelligence has been tried out and has materialised to some extent, further intricacies in this regard would require time, he opined.

The Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the use of languages in court for argument and order requires approval of the Chief Justice of India, and thus needs a wider consultation. He assured that the matter will be positively considered.

The CJI and the Law Minister were holding a press conference after the Joint Conference of the Chief Ministers and the Chief Justices of the High Courts. During the inaugural session of the Conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that use of local languages must be promoted in courts for the better understanding of common man.

It may be noted that while recently speaking at an event at the Madras High Court, the CJI had spoken about the issue of the language used in the courts and said the practice of law before Constitutional Courts should be based on one's intelligence and understanding of law, and not mere proficiency in language.

He had said that it is time for some decision to be taken on this issue, after assessment of the pros and cons.

He had also said that from time to time, there have been demands from various regions to allow the usage of local language in the proceedings before the High Courts as provided for under Article 348 of the Constitution and a lot of debate has taken place on this subject. However, there are certain barriers that have prevented local languages from being adopted in proceedings before the High Courts.

He had expressed hope that with innovation in science and technology, and advancements such as artificial intelligence, some of the issues associated with introduction of local languages in High Courts may be solved in the near future.