PM Modi Applauds CJI Chandrachud’s Push for Regional Language Judgments in I-Day Speech

New Delhi, August 15, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, underscored the growing importance of regional languages and their role in preserving cultural heritage. He praised the recent move by the Supreme Court to provide judgments in regional languages, emphasizing the value of understanding legal matters in one’s mother tongue.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s decision, PM Modi expressed his gratitude, stating, “I also thank the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has said that the operative part of the judgments will be in one’s mother tongue. The significance of the mother tongue is increasing.”

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, present at the Independence Day event, acknowledged the prime minister’s remarks with folded hands, as other attendees applauded the development.

CJI Chandrachud has consistently advocated for judgments to be accessible in regional languages. In January, he announced that Supreme Court judgments would be translated into Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, and Odia, enhancing citizens’ access to justice.

Describing the language barrier in legal matters, CJI Chandrachud explained, “The language which we use, namely English, is a language which is not comprehensible, particularly in its legal avatar, to 99.9% of our citizens.”

Later, at an event in Mumbai, Chandrachud further emphasized the need to provide translated copies of Supreme Court judgments in all Indian languages, highlighting the role of technology in reaching citizens across the country.

Prime Minister Modi had commended CJI Chandrachud’s suggestion, acknowledging its potential impact. He tweeted, “This is a laudatory thought, which will help many people, particularly youngsters.”

The recognition of regional languages in legal discourse not only fosters inclusivity but also empowers citizens to engage effectively with the justice system, aligning with the principles of accessibility and equitable representation.