Supreme Court Allows Use of Urdu on Municipal Signboard in Maharashtra
On April 15, 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by Mrs. Varshatai Sanjay Bagade, who challenged the use of Urdu alongside Marathi on the Patur Municipal Council signboard in Akola, Maharashtra. The Court ruled that the Maharashtra Local Authorities (Official Languages) Act, 2022, which mandates Marathi for official use, does not prohibit additional languages on signage.
The signboard, in use since 1956, reflects the linguistic preferences of the local population. The Bombay High Court had earlier upheld the Council’s decision, which was now affirmed by the Supreme Court Bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and K. Vinod Chandran.
The Court emphasized that language is a cultural, not religious, identity, and both Urdu and Marathi, being part of the Eighth Schedule, enjoy constitutional recognition. It stressed that linguistic diversity should be celebrated, not restricted.
> “The entire case of the appellant is based on a misconception of law,” the Court stated, rejecting the claim that only Marathi must appear on public boards.
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Citation: Varshatai Sanjay Bagade vs State of Maharashtra & Ors., Civil Appeal of 2025 (SLP (C) Diary No. 2
4812 of 2024).
