Malayalam Bill Sparks Language Row

Malayalam Language Bill Sparks Federal, Linguistic Debate

Why in the News?

The Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, passed by the Kerala Assembly and awaiting Governor’s assent, has triggered opposition from Karnataka, which terms it unconstitutional, citing concerns over the rights of Kannada-speaking linguistic minorities, especially in Kasaragod district.

Malayalam Bill Sparks Language Row

Key Provisions of the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025:

  • The Bill seeks to formally designate Malayalam as the official language of Kerala, replacing the current bilingual arrangement of Malayalam and English for official purposes.
  • It mandates the use of Malayalam across government administration, education, judiciary, public communication, commerce, and digital platforms, subject to constitutional limits.
  • Malayalam is proposed as the compulsory first language in all government and aided schools up to Class 10.
  • All Bills, Ordinances, and official notifications are to be introduced in Malayalam, with a phased translation of court judgments and proceedings.
  • Institutional changes include renaming the official language department as the Malayalam Language Development Department, creation of a Malayalam Language Development Directorate, and promotion of open-source Malayalam software by the IT Department.

Federal and Inter-State Concerns: Karnataka’s Objections

  • The Karnataka government has opposed the Bill, calling it unconstitutional and detrimental to the Kannada linguistic minority in Kerala’s border areas.
  • It argues that making Malayalam the compulsory first language could disrupt the existing system where Kannada-speaking students study Kannada as their first language, particularly in Kasaragod.
  • Data showing a decline in Kannada-medium schools in Kasaragod has heightened fears of further marginalisation of Kannada language and culture.
  • A delegation from the Karnataka Border Area Development Authority submitted a memorandum to the Kerala Governor, seeking rejection or amendment of the Bill.
  • Karnataka has warned of using all constitutional remedies, including approaching the President of India, if the Bill is not modified.

Constitutional and Legal Framework:
● Article 345: Empowers States to adopt any language in use in the State for official purposes.
● Articles 346–347: Govern inter-State and minority language communication and recognition.
● Official Languages Act, 1963: Regulates language use between the Union and States.
● Article 29(1): Protects the right of linguistic minorities to conserve their language and culture.
● Kerala cites a non-obstante clause (Clause 7) ensuring safeguards for minorities speaking Kannada, Tamil, Tulu, and Konkani, aligning the Bill with constitutional provisions.