Chief Justice Surya Kant announced on December 21, 2025, that citizens have the right to read court judgments in their own languages. Speaking at Hindi Seva Nidhi Trust's 33rd annual programme in Etawah, UP, he emphasized constitutional institutions must work to make court decisions accessible. While English remains the Supreme Court's official language, significant steps are being taken to bridge language gaps through translation initiatives.

This statement by CJI Surya Kant represents a crucial development in judicial accessibility and constitutional interpretation. Under Article 348, the Supreme Court's proceedings are conducted in English, but this doesn't preclude translations for public access. The initiative to translate judgments into 16 languages reflects the constitutional commitment to linguistic diversity under Articles 29-30 and the Directive Principles. This move addresses a fundamental access to justice issue - citizens unable to comprehend English-language judgments face barriers in understanding legal decisions affecting them. The translation project ensures authenticated copies reach state-level audiences in their native languages, democratizing legal knowledge. This aligns with Article 19's freedom of expression and information, enabling informed citizenship. For CLAT PG candidates, this highlights the tension between practical administration (English efficiency) and constitutional values (linguistic rights). The initiative also reflects judicial activism in expanding access rights beyond literal constitutional text, showing how courts interpret constitutional provisions expansively to serve democratic ideals.