On April 15, 2025, the Supreme Court of India decisively affirmed the constitutional legitimacy of using Urdu on a municipal council nameboard in Maharashtra. This landmark judgment emphasized that Urdu is an integral Indian language, deeply woven into the nation's fabric and not confined to any particular religious identity.

Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and K Vinod Chandran presided over the bench that dismissed a petition challenging the use of Urdu on the Patur Municipal Council's nameboard. The court thereby reinforced the constitutional equality between Urdu and Marathi. The legal challenge had been brought forward by Varshatai Sanjay Bagade, a former council member of Patur.

The Supreme Court's ruling directly confronted and rejected the misconception that Urdu is a foreign language primarily associated with Muslims. The court delved into the historical context, pointing out that the division of Hindi and Urdu along religious lines was a consequence of colonial influence. This influence, the court stated, fostered a "pitiable digression from reality," disrupting India's inherent "unity in diversity" and the principle of "universal brotherhood."

The court asserted that Urdu, like Marathi and Hindi, is an Indo-Aryan language that originated and thrived in India, serving as a vital medium for intercultural communication and the exchange of ideas. This perspective enriches our understanding of India's linguistic landscape, acknowledging Urdu's significant contributions to the nation's rich literary legacy.

The decision explicitly clarified that the Maharashtra Local Authorities (Official Languages) Act, 2022, does not prohibit the use of Urdu alongside Marathi. This definitively reinforces the equal constitutional standing of both languages, dispelling any notion that the use of Urdu is legally impermissible.

The legal challenge originated in 2020 after the Municipal Council rejected Bagade's initial request, citing the continuous use of Urdu since 1956 and its widespread understanding among the local population. The Bombay High Court had previously dismissed her challenge in 2021, leading to the appeal before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court's analysis extended beyond mere legal interpretation, focusing on the pragmatic role of language in public communication. The court clarified that the use of Urdu on the signboard was intended to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for all residents familiar with the language, rather than representing a political or religious statement. The judgment championed the embrace of linguistic diversity, emphasizing that language serves as a conduit for exchanging ideas and nurturing unity.

Furthermore, the court highlighted Urdu's profound and enduring influence on Indian legal terminology, noting its widespread use in court proceedings and legal documents. This observation underscores Urdu's vital role within the country's legal and cultural framework.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court's ruling not only validates the use of Urdu on municipal signboards but also conveys a powerful message about linguistic inclusion and the historical interconnectedness of Indian languages. The Court urged a re-evaluation of biases against languages, advocating for an open-minded approach to linguistic diversity as a source of national strength.

Advocates Kunal Cheema, Satyajeetsingh Raghuwanshi, and Raghav Deshpande represented the petitioners, while advocates Preet S Phanse, Siddharth Dharmadhikari, and Aaditya Aniruddha Pande represented the respondents.

Written By: Md.Imran Wahab, IPS, IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal
Email: imranwahab216@gmail.com, Ph no: 9836576565