Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Uchch Nyayalaya Matrubhasha Samiti (Committee) has planned to hold a sit-in protest outside the High Court premises on February 21, observed as International Mother Language Day. The protest, scheduled for 10:30 am, aims to push for the recognition of Gujarati as an official language in the state High Court.

Senior advocate and convener of the committee, Asim Pandya, stated that the protest seeks to secure the recognition of Gujarati as an official language in the High Court. “Even after 75 years of independence, English remains the sole language of court proceedings in the state’s highest court. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly stressed the importance of conducting legal proceedings in local languages. People, for whom the judiciary exists, have the fundamental right to understand court proceedings,” the statement said.

The committee argues that Gujarati citizens have the fundamental right to comprehend court proceedings and stay well-informed about legal matters. To uphold these rights and preserve the dignity and pride of the mother tongue, the protest has been organized on World Mother Language Day. The committee has invited lawyers from lower courts and citizens across the state to join the movement.

Additionally, the committee plans to submit a special petition to authorities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor of Gujarat, the Chief Minister, and the Chief Justice of the High Court, urging the implementation of Gujarati in court proceedings.

It is noteworthy that the Gujarat High Court had previously dismissed a petition on this issue. Advocate Pandya resigned as president of the Gujarat High Court Advocates Association due to his efforts to make Gujarati acceptable in court proceedings alongside English. While many High Court lawyers opposed the idea, Bar associations from lower courts have extended their support to the movement. DeshGujarat