The Madras High Court has directed the Civil Aviation Ministry to examine a plea advocating the use of Tamil as a mandatory language for announcements and communication on flights operating within Tamil Nadu and to destinations with significant Tamil-speaking populations. The petitioner argued that making Tamil compulsory would uphold linguistic rights and promote inclusivity, ensuring better accessibility for Tamil-speaking passengers.
The court has asked the Ministry to consider the feasibility of the proposal while balancing operational and regulatory requirements. The move aligns with similar measures implemented in other regions where local languages are given prominence in public services, including transportation.
If adopted, this initiative could see Tamil being used alongside English and Hindi for in-flight announcements, safety instructions, and other communications, reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region. This case highlights the broader conversation about preserving linguistic heritage in a rapidly globalizing society, especially in services catering to the public.
The Civil Aviation Ministry is expected to evaluate the petition and provide its response, considering passenger convenience, airline operations, and language policy implications.
