A heated exchange between a judge and a lawyer in Patna High Court has reignited debate over the use of Hindi in judicial proceedings. The controversy began when a lawyer attempted to argue a case in Hindi, prompting the judge to reportedly state, “If you speak in Hindi, we will not hear your case.” This statement led to a tense courtroom moment and sparked wider discussion about language rights in India’s higher judiciary.
Many citizens are surprised to learn that, unless a state governor grants special permission for the use of a local language, the official language of proceedings in India’s High Courts and the Supreme Court remains English. This policy is rooted in the constitutional framework and judicial norms that prioritize English for consistency and clarity across the national legal system.
पटना हाई कोर्ट में हिंदी भाषा में सुनवाई नहीं हो सकती क्या??
— Baliyan (@Baliyan_x) October 8, 2025
वकील हिंदी में बोले तो आपका केस हम नहीं सुनेगे- जज और वकील में बहस।
आप जानकर हैरान हो जाएँगे की अगर राज्यपाल लोकल भाषा की विशेष परमिशन ना दे तो भारत के हाई कोर्ट और सुप्रीम कोर्ट में ऑफिसियल भाषा सिर्फ़ इंग्लिश है। pic.twitter.com/lqQ83xBZKi
While lower courts in many states conduct proceedings in regional languages, High Courts and the Supreme Court continue to rely on English, creating barriers for lawyers and litigants more comfortable in Hindi or other Indian languages. The incident in Patna has raised questions about accessibility, linguistic inclusivity, and the need for reforms that reflect India’s multilingual reality.
Legal experts argue that while English ensures uniformity, the judiciary must evolve to accommodate regional languages, especially in states where Hindi is the primary mode of communication. The debate continues, with calls for policy changes that balance tradition with linguistic diversity.