The state government is mulling over the option of declaring Marathi as the designated language of Bombay High Court. In his reply to a question in the Assembly on Friday, State Culture Minister Vinod Tawde said this step will be as per section 348(2) of the Indian Constitution.

The said section states that the Governor of a state may, with the previous consent of the President, authorise the use of Hindi language, or any other language used for any official purposes of the state, in proceedings in the High Court having its principal seat in that state, provided that nothing in this clause shall apply to any judgment, decree or order passed or made by such HC.

The question sought information from the minister as to whether the government has issued a circular ensuring proceedings of the district and sessions court in Marathi.

Mr Tawde’s reply stated that as per the notification of issued in July 1998, only criminal and civil courts should function in Marathi.

However, he said that the state cabinet is mulling the proposal to announce Marathi as designated language of the Bombay High Court.