Report No. 118

Language

2.6. Knowledge of local language has assumed considerable importance in recent times, more so in view of section 2 of the Official Language Act and section 272 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and section 137(2) of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. Eleven States have prescribed knowledge of local language as an essential qualification. In the rules of some States, a provision is found requiring proficiency in one more language. At least in one State, power is conferred on the concerned authority to prescribe knowledge of a third language too.