India’s top judge claims English is a relic of the Raj

While English is not recognised as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India, historical attempts to bring an end to its use in other contexts have been met with resistance, including occasional violence.

The southern states of the country speak Dravidian languages which are unrelated to the Indo-European languages of the north. Hindi is the official language of the union but many south Indians feel it is imposed upon them. It is structurally different, with a lexicon rich in Persian and Arabic words and it is written in a script not used in the south.

After India gained independence from the British 74 years ago, barristers in the country burned their wigs, owing to how unpleasant they are to wear in the Indian heat.

Chief Justice Ramana said that both English and robes create an intimidating atmosphere for ordinary people.

“Our systems, practices and rules, colonial in origin, may not be best suited to the needs of the Indian population. The need of the hour is the Indianisation of our legal system,” he said.

Quoting a former American chief justice, he said: “The notion that ordinary people want black robed judges and well-dressed lawyers in fine courtrooms as settings to resolve their disputes is incorrect.”