Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Allahabad High Court Bans 'Hinglish' Judgments in UP Trial Courts
Imagine a judge has to make a decision in a case.
The Allahabad High Court said that in Uttar Pradesh, judges have to pick just one language to write their decision in: either all Hindi or all English.
They can't mix the two languages, like writing some words in English and some in Hindi.
The reason for this rule is so that people involved in the case, who might not understand both languages perfectly, can easily read and understand the judge's decision and why they made it.
The court hopes this will make things clearer for everyone involved in legal cases.
Allahabad High Court ruled that UP trial courts must write judgments entirely in Hindi or entirely in English.
The court prohibited the practice of writing judgments partially in English and partially in Hindi ('Hinglish').
This decision was made while dismissing a criminal appeal related to a dowry death case.
The High Court aims to ensure that ordinary litigants can understand court judgments and their reasoning.
The judgment was directed to be circulated to all judicial officers in the state for compliance.
- Who
- Allahabad High Court
- What
- Stated that trial courts cannot write judgments that are partially in English and partially in Hindi, they must choose either Hindi or English exclusively.
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh trial courts
- Why
- To ensure that ordinary litigants can understand court judgments and the reasons provided by the court.
Viewpoint of Litigants
Procedural Clarity
Understanding Judgments
Viewpoint of Litigants
Judgments should be in Hindi so that ordinary litigants, who are Hindi speakers, can easily understand them.
Procedural Clarity
Allowing judgments in either Hindi or English ensures that courts can maintain clarity and use the most appropriate language for legal reasoning.
Language of Judgments
Viewpoint of Litigants
As Uttar Pradesh is a Hindi-speaking state, judgments should primarily be in Hindi for accessibility.
Procedural Clarity
While Hindi is prevalent, English is also a widely used language in legal contexts, and courts should have the flexibility to choose.
- Court
- Allahabad High Court
- Order Date
- Friday
- Location
- Uttar Pradesh
- Prohibited Practice
- Writing judgments partially in English and partially in Hindi ('Hinglish')
- Allowed Practice
- Writing judgments entirely in Hindi or entirely in English