Urdu, like Hindi, an Indo-Aryan language

Dismissing a plea on Urdu signage, SC says 'language is yardstick to measure civilisational march of a community'

- JAYANTH JACOB @New Delhi

Language debates are unfolding across the country, particularly in the southern states, where language is deeply intertwined with regional identity, cultural heritage, and pride. While dismissing a petition on Urdu signage, the Supreme Court bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and K. Vinod Chandran emphasised that language reflects people and communities—not religion.

What Was The Petition Filed?

Varshatai Sanjay Bagade, a former councillor from Patur town, filed a petition challenging the use of Urdu on the signboard of the Patur Municipal Council. Bagade argued that under the Maharashtra Local Authorities (Official Languages) Act, 2022, using any language other than Marathi for official purposes was not permitted.

What Did The SC Say?