Varshatai v. State of Maharashtra (2025 INSC 486)
Date of Judgment: 15 April 2025
In Varshatai v. State of Maharashtra (2025 INSC 486), the Hon’ble Supreme Court addressed whether the Maharashtra Local Authorities (Official Languages) Act, 2022, prohibits the use of Urdu as an additional language on a municipal signboard. The dispute arose after the Municipal Council of Patur displayed its name in both Marathi and Urdu, which the appellant contested, arguing exclusive use of Marathi was mandated and any
The Court upheld the Hon’ble Bombay High Court’s view, holding that there is no statutory bar against using Urdu on such signage. Justice Dhulia, writing for the bench, emphasized that language is a tool for communication and not division. The Court highlighted India’s linguistic diversity and cultural plurality, noting that Urdu, like Marathi, is an Indian language that came into existence out of cultural confluence.
Referring to Article 345 and past precedent of a five-judge Bench decision in the case of Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sahitya Sammelan v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2014) 9 SCC 716, (UP Hindi Sahitya Sammelan), the Court reiterated that states can allow multiple languages for official use. Urdu’s deep integration in legal and social discourse was also noted. The judgment underlined the constitutional value of tolerance, concluding that promoting inclusivity in language serves the public good, especially at the local governance level.
