English has become a status symbol. We have often come across instances when lawyers start their arguments in Hindi but are rebuked by judges,' he added.

Moreover, Article 348 of the constitution provides for arguing court cases in English as well as regional languages, Aggarwal pointed out.

Somdutt Sharma, vice president of the Delhi unit of the lawyers association, said: 'Our demand is that there should be an option before us to argue in Hindi or in English. We want an amendment. The move is in the interest of litigants. Their interest should be everyone's priority.'

Talking about the Act, Sharma said: 'It is a hangover of the British colonial system and it should be abolished now.'

Hindi is being used in the high courts of Rajasthan, Allahabad and Madhya Pradesh, but not in the national capital, according to the lawyers' body.

District and Sessions Judge Mamta Sehgal had issued a circular a few months ago, making it clear to subordinate judges that they must see that their court employees are proficient in Hindi and also use it in their work.

The circular also stated that the use of Hindi would fetch the staff extra performance points and be considered in their annual performance reports.

The issue, however, is not resolved that simply. Some court staff and many stenographers are not conversant in Hindi.

'The concept is wonderful but its implementation would require a comprehensive effort by not only the staff but also judges, lawyers and administrative officers, who could provide the necessary infrastructure like software for Hindi for all the computers,' a court staffer said.

Naresh Kumar, a daily wager who has been involved in a civil suit for the past four years, welcomed the move. He said: 'If this happens, it will be really great for poor people like us who just can't understand a word in court. But the question is: will it happen?'

(Kanu Sarda can be contacted at kanu.s@ians.in)