WEB DESK: The Indian Supreme Court has made a significant statement emphasizing that language should not be conflated with religion, asserting that linking Urdu exclusively to Islam demonstrates a “pitiable digression” from the ideals of reality and the nation’s unity in its diversity.
This ruling came in response to a petition that challenged the inclusion of Urdu on the nameboard of a municipal council in Maharashtra. The bench, which included Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and K. Vinod Chandran, was considering a case brought by Varshatai Sanjay Bagade, a former councillor from Patur in the Akola district.
Bagade contended that the municipal sign should only feature Marathi and that the use of Urdu, even in signage, was unacceptable. Her claims had previously been rejected by both the municipal council and the Bombay High Court, leading her to appeal to the Supreme Court.
In its judgment, the Supreme Court highlighted the cultural significance of language, stating, “Language is not synonymous with religion and does not represent any faith.
It belongs to communities and regions rather than religions. Language is an expression of culture and reflects the civilizational progress of a society. Urdu, in particular, embodies the Ganga-Jamuni or Hindustani culture, which is a part of India’s composite heritage.”
The court acknowledged that the municipal council included Urdu on the signboard to facilitate effective communication with residents, many of whom are Urdu speakers. “The intention behind this was simply to ensure clear communication,” the court noted.
Rejecting the idea that Urdu is foreign to India, the bench remarked that Urdu, like Marathi and Hindi, is an Indo-Aryan language that developed within the Indian subcontinent. “It arose from the necessity for interaction among people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Over time, it evolved into a polished and expressive language, celebrated by renowned poets.”
The court also pointed out how deeply ingrained Urdu is in everyday speech, particularly within Hindi. “A basic conversation in Hindi is often incomplete without words borrowed from Urdu. Interestingly, even the term ‘Hindi’ has Persian roots,” it stated.
Reflecting on historical contexts, the bench observed that colonial approaches and linguistic purism have resulted in an artificial divide where Hindi is seen as the language of Hindus and Urdu as the language of Muslims. “This division represents a regrettable distortion of truth and a departure from the inclusive ethos that characterizes our nation,” the court declared.
From a legal standpoint, the Supreme Court clarified that using Urdu does not breach the Maharashtra Local Authorities (Official Languages) Act, 2022, which requires Marathi on government signage. “There is no prohibition against employing any additional language, including Urdu, as per the 2022 Act or existing law,” the court stated.
Concluding its message of linguistic unity, the court articulated: “Language should act as a bridge, not a barrier. If part of the local community comprehends Urdu, incorporating it on the signboard alongside Marathi poses no detriment. Our biases must be evaluated against the reality of India’s diversity. Let us embrace Urdu—and every language.”
With these insights, the court dismissed the petition, upholding the Bombay High Court’s earlier decision and reinforcing the inclusive nature of Indian multilingualism.
