Why not use Sanskrit as India's other official language?

Sharad Bobde is a strong advocate of making Sanskrit an official language of India along with Hindi. He explained the reasons to TOI: What led to your affinity towards Sanskrit? My love towards the language developed from the vast experience as a lawyer and judge from trial courts to the Supreme Court. I realised the need for a common language which would be understood across the country apart from Hindi. English has become our second official language, albeit unofficially. Yet, as per a recent survey, hardly 2-3% Indians have fluency over English. Was there any demand in this regard? I have not received any demand for using Sanskrit in courts, but have received several representations made by the lawyers’ associations and by some judges’ groups from across the entire country to be able to write their cases and judgments in their respective regional languages. In Maharashtra, those from the western areas sought permission to use Marathi for writing judgments. In Madhya Pradesh, the language used in the subordinate courts is Hindi. Similarly, the subordinate courts in the southern states prefer their native languages. In the 75 years of India’s Independence, it seems Hindi is unacceptable to southern states. medium98099292 English is an official language in SC and all high courts. There are several HCs, especially in states such as UP and MP, which have amended rules ceding to the demands made by the lawyers’ associations and litigants to permit them to file their cases in Hindi. Although the official language is English, the counsels argue in Hindi while the judges write orders in English. I noticed that judges’ ability to use fluent English enhances their profile. English is not a global language as perceived. Didn’t BR Ambedkar propose Sanskrit as an official language? His proposal was endorsed by many members from the Constituent Assembly on September 11, 1949. His suggestions were later incorporated in Article 351, which states that it shall be the duty of the government to promote the spread of Hindi, and by drawing, wherever necessary or desirable, for its vocabulary, primarily, on Sanskrit and secondarily on other languages. When Ambedkar was asked by the media about his proposal to make Sanskrit as one of the official languages, he countered them rhetorically asking what was wrong in it. His question remains unanswered. Isn’t Sanskrit often associated mainly with religion? About 80-90% literature in Sanskrit has got nothing to do with any religion or god. Introducing Sanskrit as an official language has nothing to do with any of the several religions which have religious texts in Sanskrit. I am suggesting a secular language for the common man’s use, as Sanskrit is considered the mother of all Indo-European groups of languages. Sanskrit should be employed scientifically. If it is found suitable, efforts should be made to introduce it in phases alongside English. It would be appropriate to continue using English in external affairs and international commerce. What are your suggestions for the government? It should appoint a commission and committee of Parliament on official language as per Article 344. It says it shall be the duty of this commission to make recommendations to the President as to (a) the progressive use of the Hindi language for the official purposes of the Union; (b) restrictions on the use of English language for all or any of the official purposes. Article 351 has already asked the government to develop Hindi according to Sanskrit. It implies that it was on the mind of the Constitution makers that Sanskrit is a language which can be used for enriching the official language. Then why not use it as our first or second official language? I am not saying that it should be done immediately. It should be promoted through the way of education in its pure form and in phases. To start with, Sanskrit can be introduced in the government’s services and at the university level. The English language could be retained for international relations and commercial agreements. I do not know whether any such panel was ever formed, but I think that in a diverse country like India, we need to use a language which can be understood by all people. Sanskrit is eminently suitable because Indians use a large number of Sanskrit words when they use their regional language.