Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces

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Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces The Supreme Court of India has suggested that the Union Government develop a comprehensive policy addressing the construction of feeding rooms and childcare facilities  in public places. This move aims to ensure that nursing mothers and their children can access basic amenities in a dignified and private manner, reinforcing their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. SC Encourages Policy Formulation A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna  and Justice N Kotiswar Singh  highlighted the absence of a structured framework to address this pressing issue. The court advised the Centre to propose a policy that could then be implemented across the states, scheduling the next hearing for December 10, 2024.   The apex court emphasized that before issuing formal directions, it was crucial to understand the Centre’s perspective on implementing the petitioner’s demand for childcare and feedi...

Articles 344 to 346 of the Indian Constitution: Language and Linguistic Minorities in the Modern Era

Articles 344 to 346 of the Indian Constitution: Language and Linguistic Minorities in the Modern Era



Introduction


Articles 344 to 346 of the Indian Constitution pertain to language and linguistic minorities. These articles recognize the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and promoting the rights of minority language speakers in India. In the modern era, these provisions continue to play a pivotal role in upholding cultural and linguistic pluralism, but they also require periodic review and adaptation.


Article 344: Commission and Committee of Parliament on Official Language


Article 344 mandates the appointment of a Commission and a Committee of Parliament on Official Language to promote the progressive use of the Hindi language for official purposes.


Case Law: The Evolution of Official Language Policies

In Kashi Prasad Jayaswal Research Institute v. State of Bihar (2015), the court emphasized the importance of Article 344 in recognizing Hindi as the official language. However, it also recognized the ongoing relevance of English in official communication in the modern era. This case highlighted the need for a balanced approach that respects linguistic diversity while ensuring effective governance.


Article 345: Official Language or Languages of a State


Article 345 grants each state the authority to specify the official language(s) to be used within its jurisdiction. This provision respects the linguistic diversity within the country.


Case Law: Safeguarding State Language Policies

The case of Rajbala v. State of Haryana (2015) reinforced the autonomy of states in determining their official languages. The court upheld the Haryana Official Language Act, emphasizing the importance of respecting the linguistic choices of individual states. This decision reflects the enduring relevance of Article 345 in acknowledging linguistic diversity.


Article 346: Language for communication between a State and the Union


Article 346 provides for the use of the English language for official communication between states and the Union, acknowledging the linguistic diversity among states.


Case Law: Language for Effective Intergovernmental Communication

In L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997), the Supreme Court upheld the use of English for intergovernmental communication, emphasizing its importance for efficient governance. This case underscores the ongoing significance of Article 346 in enabling effective coordination between states and the Union in the modern era.


Conclusion


Articles 344 to 346 of the Indian Constitution are essential in recognizing and preserving linguistic diversity in the country. They acknowledge the importance of language as an integral part of cultural identity. In the modern era, while some amendments and adaptations may be necessary to reflect the evolving linguistic landscape, it is crucial to uphold the constitutional principles of pluralism, diversity, and inclusion.


The case laws discussed in this article illustrate the ongoing relevance of these articles in the contemporary context. They emphasize the need for a balanced approach that respects linguistic diversity while ensuring effective governance. As India's legal system and policymakers continue to engage in this ongoing discourse, they must strive to foster a society that is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the constitutional values of linguistic and cultural pluralism.

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