Kerala HC finds Hindi titles for new criminal laws a bit confusing

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has expressed concern over the use of Hindi and Sanskrit titles in new criminal laws, deeming them a bit confusing and suggesting that adaptation will take time. These comments were made by a bench consisting of Justice A. M. Mustaque and Justice S. Manu during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation challenging the implementation of these titles.

The Division Bench noted that they, too, are in the process of familiarising themselves with the revised criminal laws and are currently attending classes at the Judicial Academy.

The petition, filed by High Court advocate P.V. Jeevesh, remains under consideration. The court noted that the legislation was passed by Parliament and questioned the extent of its intervention in this matter. It also observed that learning Hindi names is akin to learning English, a foreign language.

The petitioner contended that the Constitution does not designate Hindi as the national language and cited Article 348, which mandates that bills introduced in Parliament and laws enacted must be in English. The plea is scheduled for further hearing on 29 July.