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Supreme Court Affirms Right to Use Urdu on Municipal Signboards, Upholds Linguistic Diversity

New Delhi, April 15, 2025 - In a significant judgment championing linguistic diversity, the Supreme Court of India today dismissed an appeal challenging the use of Urdu on a signboard of the Municipal Council, Patur in Maharashtra. The bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and K. Vinod Chandran upheld the Bombay High Court's decision, reinforcing that the Maharashtra Local Authorities (Official Languages) Act, 2022 does not prohibit the use of languages like Urdu alongside Marathi on signboards.

Case Background: Marathi vs. Urdu Signage

The legal battle originated when Mrs. Varshatai Bagade , a former member of the Municipal Council, Patur, objected to the use of Urdu along with Marathi on the signboard of the newly constructed Municipal Council building. The signboard displayed "Municipal Council, Patur" in Marathi at the top, with its Urdu translation below. Bagade contended that Marathi , being the official state language, should be the sole language for all municipal affairs, including signboards.

The Municipal Council initially rejected her objection, citing that a significant portion of residents and council members were familiar with Urdu , and this practice had been in place since 1956. However, the Collector, Akola, overturned the Council's resolution based on a government circular emphasizing the 100% use of Marathi in government proceedings. This order was subsequently set aside by the Divisional Commissioner, Amravati, a decision affirmed by the Bombay High Court.

Arguments Before the Court

Before the Supreme Court, the appellant, Mrs. Bagade , argued that the newly enacted Maharashtra Local Authorities (Official Languages) Act, 2022 mandated the use of Marathi for all public interfaces of local authorities, effectively prohibiting the use of Urdu on the signboard. She contended that while the Act allowed for the use of English in specific circumstances, no such provision existed for Urdu or any other language.

Conversely, the Municipal Council members argued that the 2022 Act aimed to ensure Marathi as the primary official language but did not explicitly prohibit the use of additional languages for communication, especially when serving a diverse linguistic community. They emphasized that the signboard was primarily in Marathi and the Urdu translation merely served to enhance communication for Urdu -speaking residents.

Supreme Court's Rationale: Language as Communication and Diversity

Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia , writing the judgment, highlighted the essence of language as a tool for communication and underscored India's rich linguistic tapestry. The court observed that the 2022 Act focused on ensuring Marathi as the official language for official purposes but did not restrict the supplementary use of other languages like Urdu , which is also included in the VIIIth Schedule of the Constitution.

The judgment emphatically stated, "There is no prohibition on using any other language, especially one included in the VIIIth Schedule of the Constitution of India... This makes it more than explicit that even the enactment recognizes that language essentially is a tool of communication; which, according to us, cannot be condemned, when this language is being used by a community or group."

The court delved into the historical and cultural significance of Urdu in India, refuting the misconception of it being an alien language. It emphasized Urdu 's Indian origins, its role in the "ganga-jamuni tehzeeb," and its deep-rooted presence in Indian society and even in legal parlance.

Referencing historical contexts and debates in the Constituent Assembly regarding language, the court highlighted the evolving understanding of language policy in India, noting instances where multiple languages are officially recognized across various states and union territories.

Quoting former Chief Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah , the judgment reiterated the importance of preserving Urdu as a language and culture, stating, “ Urdu is not simply one of the languages of this country. It is a culture and civilisation in itself…But today this great culture needs urgent measures for its very survival…The richness of Urdu culture needs to be restored to its pristine glory.”

Decision and Implications

Ultimately, the Supreme Court concurred with the High Court, concluding that the 2022 Act did not prohibit the use of Urdu on the signboard and that the Municipal Council's decision was justified in serving the communicative needs of its diverse population. The court dismissed the appeal, firmly establishing that using an additional language like Urdu on signboards, alongside the official language, is permissible and aligns with the spirit of linguistic diversity enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

This judgment serves as a significant affirmation of India's multilingualism and underscores the importance of language as a tool for inclusion and communication, rather than division. It clarifies that official language acts are not intended to stifle linguistic diversity but to ensure effective governance while respecting the linguistic rights and needs of various communities.