Date:13/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/13/stories/2007031315870700.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Bhardwaj writes to Karunanidhi

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Union Law Minister H.R. Bhardwaj has asked his department to "process the matter [on the introduction of Tamil as the official language in the Madras High Court] afresh, keeping in view the points raised" by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

He conveyed this in a letter to Mr. Karunanidhi on Monday.

He has also asked his department to follow up the processing of the matter with obtaining the "consent of the President... as expeditiously as possible."

After the Law Ministry disagreed with the proposals sent earlier, the Chief Minister had written to the Union Law Minister expressing shock over the rejection of the proposal and had also pointed out that there were four States where proceedings were also available in their official language.

Introduction of Tamil was also in line with Article 348 (2), Mr. Karunanidhi had pointed out.

The State had completed the other requirements such as taking the Governor's consent and passing a resolution in the Assembly.