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Political observers and many in the opposition have raised objections to the government-run Sansad TV translating the speeches of Members of Parliament (MPs) delivered in English into Hindi while muting the original audio. They argue that such a practice is undemocratic, suppresses the MPs’ voices, and denies them the right to be heard in their chosen language. It is also discriminatory towards MPs from non-Hindi speaking states, they say, raising an important question: how should a multilingual democracy like India function without bias?

Sansad TV is the official broadcaster of parliamentary proceedings. This change that seemed minor at first, quickly sparked outrage.

Baramati MP and NCPSP leader Supriya Sule said that the practice, which initially seemed a mere translation aid, quickly revealed its deeper implications.

“It has been observed that Sansad TV is now translating the Speech of MP’s in English into Hindi while muting the original audio. This new practice is deeply problematic, as it suppresses the MP’s voice, denies elected members the right to be heard in their chosen language, and is autocratic. We demand that the NDA Government refrain from such unethical tactics that undermine democratic & constitutional principles & gags the voice of the people of India,” Sule posted on X.

Sule’s sentiments were echoed by journalist and author Saba Naqvi, who pointed out the discriminatory nature of this practice.

“I want to make a serious point about @sansad_tv. When MPs made speeches in English, they had a voice over their voice translating in Hindi. They did not do the same with Hindi speaking MPs whose voices were not drowned by English voice-over. All MPs should complain and change this and demand subtitles in the future. This is discriminatory towards MPs from non Hindi speaking states,” Naqvi wrote.

The muting of original speeches is also being seen as a linguistic imposition. Educator Sandeep Manudhane criticised the practice for its disregard for authenticity and choice and demanded that the linguistic diversity of the nation must be preserved. He added that “Hindi cannot be forcibly superimposed”, and that subtitles, not voice-overs, can make parliamentary broadcasts more inclusive.

“With utter disregard for authenticity, original English speech audio of many MPs is being translated into Hindi, and telecast thus. A bad practice that must be discontinued. Hindi and other subtitled languages must be optional in text form. Speaking in English is a choice of some MPs, and with reason. Hindi cannot be forcibly superimposed,” Manudhane reasoned on X.