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Chapter - 1 Introduction of Social Justice

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CHAPTER - 1

INTRODUCTION OF SOCIAL
JUSTICE
CHAPTER- I
INTRODUCTION OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

Concept of Social Justice.

Position of Social Justice Pre-Independence of India.

Position of Social Justice Post-Independence of India.

Scope or areas of Social Justice.

Statement of the problems.

Research methodology

Scheme of the study.

1
I. INTRODUCTION OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

Social Justice is a revolutionary concept which provides meaning and

significance to life and makes the rule of law dynamic. When Indian

Society seeks to meet the challenge of socio-economic inequality by its

legislation and with the assistance of the rule of Law; it seeks to achieve

economic Justice without any violent conflict. The Idea of welfare state is

that the claims of social Justice must be treated as cardinal and

paramount. Social Justice is not a blind concept. It seeks to do Justice to

all the citizen of the state. Social Justice must be achieved by adopting

necessary and reasonable measures. That shortly stated, is the concept

of Social Justice and Its implications. Thus the term Social Justice is a

blanket Term so as to include both Social Justice and Economic Justice. 1

The Concept of Social Justice is Replete with multifarious

connotations. It is equated with a welfare state. It is considered to be

analogous to an egalitarian society. It is treated to be an incident of the

Rule of Law. It is co-extensive with Social welfare. Because Social Justice

is supposed to dwell mainly in the abolition of all sorts of inequalities

which are the concomitants of all sorts of inequalities of wealth and

opportunity, race, caste, religion, distinction and title. The Declaration of

American Independence 1776 discovered it into the man inalienable

rights of equality life and liberty. The French Declaration of

1 Anshuman Gupta "The Concept of Social Justice and the Poor 2006 P 5. – Legal Service India.com.

2
Rights of man 1789 discovered it into the natural imprescriptibly and

inalienable rights of man. Such Rights are regarded to be natural

because all men are equally endowed with rights by equal war. 2

Democratic Socialism aims to end poverty ignorance, disease and

inequality of opportunity. Socialistic concept of society should be

implemented in the True spirit of the constitution thus the principal aim

of socialism is to eliminate inequality of income status ,and standards of

life, and to provide a decent standard of life to the working people. 3

1. THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

The concept of social-economic Justice is a living concept and gives

substance to the rule of law and meaning and significance to the ideal of

a welfare State. The Indian constitution is an illustration of the forces at

work in socio-economic Jurisprudence. It sets out the Directive

principles of State Policy fundamental to the governance of the country

and spells out a social order in which Justice, Social, economic and

political, shall inform all the Institutions of National life. 4

Social Justice takes within its sweep the objective of removing all

inequalities and affording equal opportunities to all citizens in social

affairs as well as economic activities. The term "Justice without doubt

means Justice to the deprived and weaker sections of society bringing an

2 . R.G.Chaturvadi "Natural and Social Justice ‘’ Second Edition 1975 Law book Company Allahabad. p. 469.
3 Dr. mayuri pandya ‘social justice a; Dream or realty’ AIR 2009 May Journal p.79 p.2
4. S. K.K .Gupta ‘minimum Bonus –A search for social justice ILI 1983. Journal vol .25 p. 390

3
egalitarian order under which opportunities are afforded to the weaker

sections of society. 5

2. Social Justice in Civil Society:

By Rousseau of the Original Civil Society where the difference and

disparities, in course of time, became so gruesome that a demand for

Social Justice was a natural outcry of mankind in general. In the

platitude of philosophers, man is described as a social animal. When the

civil society developed into an administrative unit, the rules of conduct

acquired a political sanction and a Breach of them was made to culpable

through the legislative sanctions. 6

3. Social Justice under the Constitution of India:

A picture of the constitution will give us the right perspective for

appreciation of the scope and place of Social Justice as an aspiration of the

Nation The former chief Justice of India, P.N. Bhagwati Inter-alia observed:

"Today a vast social revolution is taking place in the judicial process, the

law is fast changing and the problems of the poor are coming to the

forefront. The Court has to innovate new methods and device new

strategies for providing access to justice to large masses of the people

5 Punjab National bank v. Gulam Dastagir AIR 1978 SC 481.

6. R.G.Chaturvadi "Natural and Social Justice ‘’ Second Edition 1975 Law book Company Allahabad. p.455
4
who are denied their basic human rights and to whom freedom and

liberty has no meaning. 7

Mr. Justice K. Ramaswamy has expounded the concept of social justice

In Consumer Education Research Centre v. Union of India 8 and

observed:

The Preamble and Article. 38 of the Constitution of India are the

supreme law envisages social justice as its arch to ensure life to be

meaningful and livable with human dignity. The concept of social justice

which the Constitution of India engrafted, concept of diverse principles

essential for orderly growth and development of personality of every

citizen. Social justice' is thus an integral part of justice in a generic sense.

Justice is genus, of which social justice is one of its species. Social justice

is a dynamic device to mitigate the sufferings of the poor, weak Dalits,

tribal’s and deprived sections of the society and to elevate them to the

level of equality to live a life of dignity of person. Social justice is an

essential part of complex of social change to relieve poor etc. from

handicaps, and to make their life livable for greater good of the society at

large.

7 S.P. Gupta v. Union of India AIR 1982 SC 49 C189.


8 AIR 1995 SC 929 (938).

5
4. Origin of Social Justice and Jurisprudence:

The greatest Contribution of Ehrlich to Sociological School of

Jurisprudence lies in scientific approach to Study of Law in its Social

Context and his emphasis on relation between law and the life of the

Society. His theory of living law came as a vigorous reaction against the

analytical positivism. Ehrlich focused his attention on the Social function

of Law. The purpose of Law according to him was attainment of Social

Justice. 9

5. Sociological approach of social justice: According to

Roscoe pound “Sociological Approach should ensure that making

Interpretation and application of Laws take account of Social facts”.

(i) To achieve this target there should be a factual study of the social

effects of legal administration.

(ii)Social Investigation as preliminaries to legislation.

Pound regards law as a means of social engineering. Pound

classification of social interest as under:

Social Interests which include -

i. General Health

ii. Peace and order

iii. Freedom to form political, economic or religious institution.

9 Allen C.k, law in the making (1964) p28.


6
iv. Conservation of Human Resource. 10

6. Position of Social Justice Pre Independence of India:

(i) The position of Social Justice in ancient time.


(ii)The position of Social Justice in medieval time.
(iii) The position of Social Justice in modern time.
A. The position of Social Justice in ancient time:

For an appraisal of the Sociological Jurisprudence in Its Indian

perspective. It would be necessary to survey the present as well as the

pre independence Indian Law. The Law during the British colonial rule

In India was coercive suppressive and Insensitive to the sentiments and

needs of the Indian people. The British rulers paralyzed the peace and

prosperity of Indian by dividing Indians on the basis of caste creed,

religion, language and occupation so as to conflicts between different

communities to meets their selfish ends. 11

1. Jajmani System: is an exploitative System:

Jajmani System is a system of Traditional occupational obligations.

Castes in early India were economically Interdependent on one another.

Thus Jajmani system as a system governed by Relationship based on

reciprocity in Inter caste relations villages. Is Jajmani system an

exploitative system? Do Jajmans exploit the Kamin’s, by them meager

10. N. Karia "Law, Social Justice and social Changes. ; AIR 2001 June journal p.189
11 V.N .Pranjpe “ jurisprudence and legal theory “ six edition 2002 p.67

7
amount of food grains or a small amount of cash or in other some

manner? In this system Jajman was exploiter and the Kamin exploited. 12

Beidleman: Believes the Jajmani System to be of the Chief Instruments

of coercion, control and legitimating wielded by high caste landowning

Hindus. Similarly, Lewis and Barnoww – 1956 – are the opinion that

the vast difference in power between the rich and the influential Jajmans

and the poor and landless & kamins – leads to the exploitation of Kamins

and coercing them into sustaining the power of those who have the

higher rank and the upper hand.

Norms and Values: The traditional method of payments almost in all

religions in the country is that it is made at harvest time when each

landowning farmer family hands over a some newly produced food

grains to various Kamins; however, these harvest payments are only

part of what the Kamin family receives. The kamin may be dependent on

the Jajmani for his house site for places where animals may graze, for

wood and cow dung fuel, for loan of tools, In addition, the Jajman may

give him clothes and gifts on ceremonial occasion and may also help him

with loans of money in emergencies. 13

12
Wiser William H. ‘ The Hindu jajmani system, Luck now publishing house Lucknow.1936
13 Beidleman Thomas o– "A comparative – analysis of the Jajmani system monograph for the association for Asian studies new

year’s 1950.p328.
8
ii. Caste Society and Social Justice:

Caste is the social concept patent of India. Deep-rooted and wide-spread

it divides society vertically and horizontally into several Castes. Caste

system was described by sociologists as a major social evil in India.

Wherever no human child is born with any religious and Caste

characteristics, these are put into the minds of children subsequent to

their birth by elders. The Caste system is generally accepted as one of

the most complexly stratified of all the social systems on the earth and it

is the most striking feature of the Indian society. In fact, it cuts across

the religious boundaries and encompasses the rest of the religious

communities in some measure in India. As he further says, "Every Hindu

is born into a Caste and his Caste determines his religious, social,

economic and domestic life from the cradle to the grave."The Caste

system is a complicated one, both theoretically and practically, it is an

institution that portends tremendous consequences for all concerned. It

is a national problem capable of wide social tension; for as long as Caste

in India does exist, the Hindus will hardly inter-marry or have any social

intercourse with outsiders; and if Caste-minded Hindus migrate to other

regions on the earth, the Indian Caste would become a world problem. 14

14 S.V.Ketkar, "History of Caste in India (ed. 1 st 1954 Jaipur) p. 4 Quoted by Dr. Ambedkar in his paper Castes, in India - Their

Genesis, Mechanism and Development (1916) p. 3


9
Dr. Ambedkar was of a firm view that unless Indian Suppressed Classes do

not get political power, nobody can ameliorate their miserable condition,

therefore, he advocated for proportionate representation in the formation

of Government at Centre and State level. Article 330 to 342 provided for

special provisions relating to Depressed Classes. Reservation of seats for

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Lok Sabha find State Assemblies

and also been made under the Constitution. According to Article 325 there

shall be one general electoral roll and no person is ineligible for inclusion in

it on grounds only of religion, race Caste, etc. Article 340, however,

empowers the President to appoint a commission to investigate conditions

of socially and educationally Backward Classes. Dr. Ambedkar believed that

the establishment of a real democratic society in India would be possible

only when Untouchables and other weaker sections of society would be

given the equal opportunity to enjoy the basic Human Right. He had not

only wanted political democracy but also thought necessary the

establishment of social democracy in India. He made it clear that he social

democracy to which India is wedded envisages a way of life and demands

social and political environment by which ever individual has a right and

opportunity to bring about the development of his ideas, his personality

10
and aptitude, consistent with similar right and opportunity vested in

others. 15

Some of the prohibitions propounded against the exterior castes

were:

That the Adi-Dravidas shall not wear ornaments of gold and silver.
That the males shall not be allowed to wear clothes below their
knee or above the hips.
That the males shall not wear coats or shirts or banyans’ (vests).
That their women shall not be allowed to cover the upper portion
of the bodies.
That their women shall not be allowed to use flowers or saffron
paste (mehandi).
Those men shall not use umbrellas for protection against the sun
and rain, nor shall they wear sandals. 16
3. Crimes against Scheduled Castes:

The reports of the National Commission on Scheduled Castes and

Scheduled Tribes have been regularly reporting an increase in the

number of crimes against the Scheduled Castes. Most of the S.C

women are the victims of rape by upper caste men. The S.C men on

the other hand are exploited by usurping their lands, giving them low

wages, and using them as bonded labour. For checking this

exploitation, a set of comprehensive guidelines covering preventive

15 Dr, B, R Amedkar ‘the untouchables ; Amrit book co. New Delhi 1948 p.104
16 Vijay Kumar ;human rights, poverty and depressed class.vol 25 2004 05 06 p 10

11
measures have been formulated and communicated by the Central

Government to the state for necessary action. 17

A new era social Justice and equality still remains a dream to be achieved.

The benefits of development have been appropriated by about 20 percent

of the population at the top. It has emerged as the ruling class of the

country. By accepting the reservation policy, the government will only be

working for the establishment of a new social order that would secure to

the underprivileged sectors of our society justice in social relations and

equality of opportunity to rise in social scale. 18

B. Position of social justice in medieval time:

In 1564 Akbar abolished Jizya and began to charge uniform trade

tax from all, This tax was particularly hated by the Hindus as it was a

symbol of their inferiority and involved quite a lot of humiliation. The

abolition of Jizya tax meant that both the Hindus and Muslims came to be

considered as equal citizens of the state. The offices of the state were open

to all on merit and without distinction of caste and religion. Akbar noticed

many social evils prevailing in the society for which both the Hindus and

Muslims were responsible. He now embarked upon social reforms which

touched both the communities. He discouraged child marriage and

encouraged widow remarriage among the Hindus. He put a

17 S.C Ray choudhary; social, cultural and economic History of India; 2000 surjeet publications.p.12
18 A.R .Desai ; social Background of Indian nationalism ;six edition 2000 popular prakshan p30

12
check on infanticide and prohibited the custom of sati. When he sensed

opposition from the orthodox Hindus, he ordered that no widow should be

burnt alive against her wishes, for which her declaration for voluntarily

committing sati certified by the State official had to be obtained. In 1562,

he stopped the practice of converting the prisoners of war to Islam. He also

abolished slave trade.19

At the very approach of Islam, we repeat, the Hindu society fell on the

defense and greater restrictions on social observances came to be imposed.

The violations of these restrictions were met with severe punishments.

This affected the status and position of Hindu women. The birth of a girl

was dreaded and the daughter was regarded as the root of all misery and

the source of unending trouble by the average householder. Some

uncultured sections of the society practiced female infanticide. 20

The status and position of Muslim women were in no way better when

compared to their Hindu counterparts. In general, the Turks gave their

women a good measure of freedom. On the other hand, the Persian women

were improving their position as compared with their Indian sisters. In

India, However, the Muslims followed the older traditions of ancient

Persians, which gave women an inferior position. Islam, though a

democratic religion, in practice treated women as second class citizens. A

19 H.V Srinivas murty ‘; History of India ‘2 nd edition 1985 .p248.


20 . H.V. Sreenivas "Status and Position of women ; 1st edition 1980 p.250

13
Sunni Muslim was permitted to have four wives at a time while a Shia
Muslim had the liberty to have even more wives than four. The
Muslim women had to observe purdah more strictly. A poorer or non-
aristocratic women went about 'wrapped up in long garments
covering the heads' or what is now known as burqa. Women could
hold, hardly gave any advantage to women, as she was denied
maintenance allowance. There were no proper facilities for women
education and few had any education. In consequence Muslim women
were unable to exercise whatever the rights that were allowed to
them by Muslim Law. Therefore, the status and position of Muslim
women was deplorable as their Hindu sisters 21
Social justice legislation during British period: A large
number of Acts were passed related to the issues viz., abolition of
slavery, prevention of exploitation of women and children labour
relation and agrarian reforms and humanization of intuition of
marriage etc. during this period. While making these Acts, the British
adhered to a "cautions approach", because they do not want to hurt
the sentiments of Indian people. Apparently, they did not seek public
consent on the issues that were likely to give shock to the public
conscience. This cautions approach' of the Britishers can be seen in
the case of the Obnoxious Practice of Sati. Although, this Sati-Pratha
shocked the Britishers they did not take definite stand on the issue
until it was supported by educated section of the Indian population
and discussed at various public Once the public opinion was
generated in the favour of its abolition, the Sati prohibitions

21
H.V .Srieenivas Murthy “History of India “part 1 1985 p. 254 eastern book company Luck now
14
were made statutory "In a decade, between 1910-20, the Indian
members moved bills related to elementary education, validation of
Muslim Wakf, protection of women and children, Indian indentured
labour, validation of certain Hindu marriages, protection to minor
females, special marriages, etc. 22
The British Empire, for the first time established supreme authority of

law, created by sovereign legislative body, in social matters. This

ensured uniformity in law and social order and the certainty that the

same norms were followed throughout the country. Though the

enactment of such laws applicable throughout the British Territory also

helped them to consolidate the British Empire, but ultimately India get

benefited in several ways. Since, the alien rulers had no interest in social

change, it may be admitted that the fruits of the 19th century liberalism,

particularly in the field of individual dignity, came to be made available,

at least in some measure to Indian society during the British rule. 23

C. Position of social justice in modern time:

There are several ways and means to attempt change in social values

and modes of social behaviors. Bringing about social reform through

legislations is an important tool to deliver social justice to a significant

extent to needy and weaker sections of the society. The Indian social

22 Social legislation, Encyclopedia of social work In India, vol. 2 The planning commission, GOI 1968 p 255
23 Anuradha Sharma and Shardas Prasad "Social legislation, Social Justice and Society Unfolding the Genesis of issue p. Vol. No.

XXVIII Sept. to Dec. 2006. p. 3


15
reformers belonging to nineteenth and early twentieth century’s seem to

have given great deal of importance to social legislation for this purpose.

Legislations pertaining to the weaker sections, especially women viz.,

Sati Pratha, the amendments to Hindu Marriage & Family laws, Labour

Laws, Dowry, Child Marriage Act, the Acts protecting the interests of

handicapped, minorities and powerless groups; reform relating to social

evils like beggars, begging, prostitutions and social security were

enacted with the hope that these laws would attempt to abolish social

evils or facilitate in bringing about the desired social change. Indian

Constitution makers and the Parliament have also shown immense faith

in legislation to bring about change in the society. The Constitution of

India declared that untouchability stood abolished. Later when it was

found the mere declaration was insufficient, the parliament passed the

untouchablity Offences Act in 1955. . 24

Social Justice is considered as a basic need and concern of human

societies. It forms a part of broader concept of justice in general. The

Oxford Dictionary observes, "Justice as just conduct of fairness. It

means all forms of rightful action". The idea and principle of social

justice is based on treating every individual equally and giving each his

due. Justice is, thus, opposed to inequality, injustice and deprivation.

"Justice connotes moral dispensation and it is the human ideal”. The

24
The India Journal of Criminology and Criminatislics Vol. N0. 27, Issue 3. Sep.-Dec. 2006. P.3
16
Social Justice is "the intelligent cooperation of people in producing an

organically united community so that every member has an equal and

real opportunity to grow and team to live to the best of his native

abilities". The concept of social justice is founded on the basic ideal of

socio-economic equality and its aim is to removal of socio-economic

disparities and inequalities". 25

7. Position of social justice Post Independence of India:

After the independence, social legislation gained a new impetus. The

rule of law and the legal system were strengthened considerably. The

Constitution of India became the main inspiration for making a variety

of legislations.

8. Jurisprudential perspective of social justice:

With the independence of India, a new


Constitution was adopted for the country embodying the social
philosophy and economic values towards attainment of an egalitarian
welfare State. A separate chapter on fundamental rights including
individual rights and freedoms and a chapter on directive principles
of State policy comprising social rights has been incorporated in the
Constitution of India and the Judges have endeavored to harmonies
the individual rights with the social interests of the community
through their judicial decisions. The function of law is now to resolve
the conflict between right of individual and the interests of the
25
K.J Aikyer, judicial dictionary, thirteen Edition, Buttermorths, India, 2001,New Delhi.p.909
17
society. There is, therefore, no conflict between fundamental rights and

directive principles of State policy as both are aimed at ushering an

egalitarian society for the welfare of the nation as a whole. The legal

philosophy enshrined in the Preamble and chapters on fundamental rights,

directive principles, fundamental duties, provisions relating to powers and

functions of the judiciary and amendment of the Constitution amply

demonstrate the entire focus is on the welfare of the Indian masses and

making law responsive to the social needs. 26The welfare legislations

enacted during the post-independence era.

9. Social justice; Developments leading to the constitutional

safeguards:

The quest for social justice in India began more than a century ago. When

the Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 the desire of the Indians

was to have the same rights and privileges enjoyed by the British citizens

in the United Kingdom without any discrimination whatsoever. Between

1917 and 1919 several resolutions were passed by the Indian National

Congress calling upon the British to concede civil and political rights to

Indians. In the year 1925 Mrs. Annie Besant prepared a Bill known as

“Commonwealth of India Bill" incorporating provisions for individual

liberty, freedom of conscience, freedom of speech, freedom of

26
M. .V Pylee , Indian constitution,’ Asia publishing Bombay house 1967 p156
18
assembly, equality before law, non-discrimination based on sex, right to

free elementary education and right to justice. 27

The announcement of the British Prime Minister on 13th August,

1932 providing for separate electorate to the Depressed Classes which

came to be called popularly as "Communal Award" led to introspective

searching among the caste Hindu leaders. Gandhi did not agree for the

communal award and he went on a fast unto death. Dr. Ambedkar the

leader of the Depressed Classes who earlier had strongly pleaded for a

separate electorate for the Depressed Classes on the ground that they

were outside the Hindu-fold, displayed remarkable statesmanship by

agreeing for the abolition of communal award. The agreement between

Gandhi and Ambedkar known as "Poona Pact," while doing away with

separate electorate, succeeded to a large extent in securing special rights

for the Depressed Classes. The Poona Pact envisaged election of a panel

of four candidates by the Depressed Classes in each of the constituencies

reserved for them and those candidates would be the contestants for

election by the general electorate. In a conference of Hindu leaders

convened in Bombay on September 25th, 1932 to ratify the Poona Pact a

resolution was adopted declaring in clear terms that:"Among Hindus no

one shall be regarded as an untouchable by reason of his birth, and that

those who have been so regarded hitherto will have the same right as

27
N.Ananta padamanbhan; caste based reservation should be given up the may 3 1994, New Delhi.)
19
Hindus in regard to the use of public wells, public schools, public roads

and all other public institutions. This right shall have a statutory

recognition at the first opportunity and shall be one of the earliest Acts

of the Swaraj parliament if it has not received such recognition before

that time. 28

The Indian National Congress at its Karachi Session held in March


1937 adopted the "Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic and
Social Change" which highlighted the fact that:
“In order to end the exploitation of the
masses political freedom must include the real
economic freedom of the starving millions. The
State must safeguard the interests of industrial
workers by making suitable legislation
providing for a living wage, healthy conditions
to work and protection from the economic
consequences of old age sickness and
unemployment."

The Resolution also demanded protection of women and children

from exploitation and conferment of special benefits on them. Key

industries and services should be owned or controlled by the State was

also one of the demands. Some of these ideas were borrowed from the

Nehru Report of 1928.Thus the national leaders during the freedom

struggle had recognized the imperative need for changing the social

structure. In the words of Granville Austin: "The Karachi Resolution as it

came to be called meant that the social revolution would have a vital

28
Mare Galanter, Competing Equalities, Law and the backward classes in India ‘ILI 1969 VOL.6 P. 33
20
share in shaping India's future Constitution and the provisions did in

fact become the spiritual and in some cases the direct antecedents of the

directive principles." 29

10. The constitutional perspective of social justice:


The framers of Constitution realized that unless unequal are treated

unequally the socio-economic, political, regional and gender gaps could

not be bridged. The compelling social situation led to the creation of

special provisions in the Constitution for the advancement of socially

and economically backward classes of citizens. The positive

discrimination was thought of as a policy mechanism to realize the

social goals set before the nation and as means by which the backward

citizens could reach the mainstream to achieve social justice 30.

11. Social justice under the constitution of India:


The Constitution of India has solemnly promised to all its citizens

justices-social, economic and political; liberty of thought expression,

belief, faith and worship; equality of status and of opportunity; and to

promote among the all fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual

and the unity of the nation. The Constitution has attempted to attune the

apparently conflicting claims of socio-economic justice and of individual

liberty and fundamental rights by putting some relevant provisions. Part

29 Dr. Monmohan Das, constituent assembly Debates .vol.50 p.666


30 K. S.Narayana “ Redefining goals of positive discrimination Deccan Herald “APR 26, 1998. P.54

21
III of the Constitution confers certain Fundamental Rights on the citizens and

Part IV enumerates certain Directive Principles as guidelines to the State for

promoting the welfare of the people. The Fundamental Rights (Articles 12 to

35) assure individual freedom to the people. They focus mainly on guarantee

against State action on interference. Some Articles, of course, impose limits

on private action also. It ensures equality before law and equal protection

laws. It further assures that there would be no discrimination against any

citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, creed, sex and place of birth.

There would be no restriction or conditions with regard to access to shops,

public restaurants, hotels and public entertainment or to the use of wells,

tanks, bathing Ghats and places of public resort maintained by the State.

There also is no discrimination on services. With the promulgation of Indian

Constitution of Independent India the Untouchability has been abolished and

its practice in any form is forbidden. Further, citizens of India have other

rights like freedom of speech and expression, formation of association, right

to acquire hold or dispose of property etc. Traffic in human beings, beggary

and all forms of forced labour are prohibited. "All laws in force just before

the commencement of the Constitution are declared void to the extent of

their being inconsistent with the provisions of part III of the Constitution". 31

31 Yogesh Atal “ weaker sections; The sociological Dimensions, in a seminar on rural Development for weaker section, Bombay

the Indian society for Agriculture economics” 1974,p173 179


22
Directive Principles are the directions for the State to make such

legislation where social, economic and political justice prevails. The

State is required to secure for the citizens, men and women equally, the

right to an adequate means of livelihood, equal pay for equal work,

protection against abuse and exploitation of workers' economic

necessity. It is the duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the

standard of living and improve public health. It shall endeavor to bring

about prohibition of intoxicating drinks and of drugs that are injurious

to health. In addition, the State is to promote, with special care, the

educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people

particularly the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and protect

them from social injustices and all forms of exploitations. 32

The social problem presented by the existence of a very large number of

citizens who are treated as untouchables has received the special

attention of the Constitution as Article 15 (1) prohibits discrimination

on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. The state

would be entitled to make special provisions for women and children,

and for advancement of any social and educationally backward classes

of citizens, or for the SCs/STs. A similar exception is provided to the

principle of equality of opportunity prescribed by Article 16 (1) in as

much as Article 16(4) allows the state to make provision for the

32
– M.V. Pylee "India Constitution Asia Publishing House Bombay. 1967 P .157
23
resolution of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of

citizens which, in the opinion of the state, is not adequately represented

in the services under the state. Article 17 proclaims that untouchability

has been abolished & forbids its practice in any form & it provides that

the enforcement of untouchability shall be an offence punishable in

accordance with law. This is the code of provisions dealing with the

problem of achieving the ideal of socio-economic justice in this country

which has been prescribed by the Constitution of India. 33

It is a basic feature of a written Constitution to have a bill of rights

enumerating certain political and civil rights. Some constitutions make

these right rights justice able, meaning enforceable through courts of

law, and some other constitutions do not make them justice able. The

bill of rights incorporated in Part III of our Constitution is named

Fundamental Rights. Our Constitution-makers, besides providing for a

bill of rights, also incorporated in Part IV, with a futuristic outlook,

certain mandatory socio-economic obligations called Directive

Principles. 34

Our Constitution incorporates the principles of social justice in Parts III,

IV, X, XVI, Schedules V & VI, besides the Preamble which declares that

we are a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular Democratic Republic in which

Justice, social, economic and political ; Liberty of thought, expression,

33
The Concept of Social Justice and The poor" 2006 P.15 Legal Service India.Com.
34
Granville Austin, of Cit. p. 50.
24
belief, faith and worship; and Equality of status and of opportunity shall be

secured to all the citizens.

The relevant provisions in Part III are: Articles 14 to 16 which relate to

equality clauses comprehending protective discrimination in Art. 15(4) and

16(4); Article 17 by which 'untouchability' is abolished; Article 19 which

confers the six fundamental freedoms – Freedom of speech, Assembly,

Association, Movement, Residence and Profession; The Indian concept of

social justice includes abolition of slavery and semi-slavery. Article 23

forbids traffic in human beings and beggar and forced labour. Indeed, the

constitutional embargo prohibits child labour in risky work. But these 'rights

against exploitation' are brutal fulfillment because the life process of the

people lags behind such legal forbiddance. The children below 14 years have

been prohibited from employment in any factory mines, or in any other

hazardous employment as a facet of right to protect human dignity, right

against exploitation due to economic necessity and right to social justice as a

scheme of protecting fundamental human rights elementary education.

Article 21A was brought as a part of the constitution. 35

Articles 23 and 24 which relate to right against exploitation and prohibition

of forced labour and employment of children in factories. Articles

25 to 28 incorporating the right to freedom of religion and Arts.

35
Maharashtra Secondary Education Board v .S G.M. Gandhi Case. 1991S.C P.15
25
29 and 30 which protect the rights and interests of minorities. In Part IV,

Articles 38 to 48 incorporate the principles for socio-economic

transformation of the society. Part X deals with the administration of

scheduled areas and tribal areas and the special legislative machinery in

relation to that. 36

According to Granville Austin: the Indian Constitution is first and

foremost a social document and the core of the commitment to the social

revolution lays in Part III and IV in the Fundamental Rights and Directive

Principles of State Policy which he described as "The conscience of the

constitution." The manner in which social revolution should be brought

about is contained in the 'directives' incorporated in Articles 38 to 48 of

the constitution. The 'directives' cover a wide area of economic and social

activity, even taking within their fold matters like free legal aid to the

indigent and the need to have a uniform Civil Code. Directives like equal

pay for equal work for both men and women, distribution of material

resources of the community so as to sub serve the common good, right to

an adequate means of livelihood, curbs on the concentration of wealth in

the hands of a few, obligation by legislation to provide for a living wage,

right to work, right to education and to public assistance in case of

unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, participation of workers

by suitable legislation in the management of industries, provision

36
Article 23,24,25,26,27,28,of the constitution of India
26
for free and compulsory education for children, envisage a total

transformation of the society. Article 41 recognizes every citizen's right to

work, to education & to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old

age, sickness & disablement and in other cases of undeserved want. Article

42 stresses the importance of securing just and humane conditions of work

& for maternity relief. 37 Article 43 holds before the working population the

ideal of the living wage and Article 46 emphasizes the importance of the

promotion of educational and economic interests of schedule castes,

schedule tribes and other weaker sections

By Article 46, the State is enjoined to promote the educational and

economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other

weaker Sections and thus eradicate social disabilities and promote the

welfare of the weak and vulnerable sections of the society. To raise the

standard of living of the people, improve public health and prohibit

consumption of intoxication drinks and drugs are the obligations imposed

on the State by Art 47. 38

Part XVI comprising Articles 330 to 342 deals with special provisions

relating to certain classes: Article 331, 333, 336 and 337 are special

provisions relating to Anglo-Indian Community; and the rest of the

provisions concern with Scheduled Caste and Tribes. Articles 330, 332

37
Article 42, 43, of the Indian constitution.
38
Dr. Manmohan Das Constituent Assembly, Debates Vol. P. 666.
27
and 334 deal with reservation of seats in Loc Saba and Legislative

Assemblies. The claims of the members of Scheduled Castes and Tribes for

appointment to services and posts under the State are deal by Article 335.

Appointment of a Special Officer to oversee the welfare of Scheduled Castes

and Tribes and Submission of periodical reports to the President of India in

regard to the implementation of constitutional safeguards in favour of

those communities is obligated by ?Article 338. Appointment of a

Commission by the President to report on the administration of Schedule

areas and welfare of Scheduled Tribes is envisaged by Article 339.

Appointment of a Commission by the President to investigate the

conditions of the Backward Classes is contemplated by Article 340. Issue of

notifications by the President specifying Scheduled Castes and Tribes is

dealt by Arts 341 and 342.39

12. Directive principles of state policy bring social justice:-

It is very difficult for a common and indigent man to enter the shrine of

justice without first shouldering the responsibility of paying a sum towards

court-fees beyond his means before law would listen to him. The existing

provision for exemption from court-fee for paupers apply only to

extremely poor people and is of no use to the ordinary poor litigants who

may be able to pay some money but not the entire cost. It has been,

39
Article 330to342 of the constitution of India
28
therefore, rightly mentioned that doors of temple of justice are open

with a golden key 40. It must also be remembered that the mandate of

Of Article 38 of our Constitution, which reads as under:

"The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing
and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice -
social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of the
national life. 41
The constitution (44th amendment )act 1978 inserted a new directive

principle in article 38 of the constitution provides that the shall in

particular , strive to minimize inequalities in income and Endeavour to

eliminate inequalities in status ,facililities and opportunities, not only

among individuals but also among the group of people residing n

different area or engaged in different vocations. The new clause aims at

wages and eliminates inequalities in various spheres of life.

Article 39 specifically requires the state for securing

economic justice:

If one compares the provisions of the 1966 Covenant on Social and

Economic /Rights (ICESCR) and Part IV of our Constitution, it would be

evident that the latter contains almost every one of the rights spoken of in

40
Dr. Justice Jitendra Bhatt Right to Legal and is a Basic Human Right “2007‘p – 69.
41
Article 38 of the Indian constitution
29
the Covenant. Article 39(a) speaks of men and women equally to have the

right to adequate means of livelihood.

Article 39(b) Distribution of ownership and control of the material

resources of the community to the common good.

Article 39(c) to ensure the economic should not result in concentration of

wealth and means of production to the common detriment.

; Article 39(d) speaks of equal pay for equal work for both men and

women; Article 39(e) speaks of health and strength of workers, men and

women and the measures to prevent exploitation of children.

Article 39(f) directs that children be given opportunity and facilities to

develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity).42

Section 304 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is a right step in

the direction of providing free and competent legal aid to the accused who

are unrepresented. Section 304(1) of reads as under:

"Where, in a trial before the Court of Session, the accused is not

represented by a pleader, and where it appears to the Court that the

accused has not sufficient means to engage a pleader, the Court shall assign

a pleader for his defense at the expense of the State." 43

Pursuant to the provisions incorporated in Article 39A in the Constitution

by 42nd Amendment in 1976, a constitutional safeguard to the right of

42
Article 39 of the Indian constitution
43
Section 304 of the code of criminal procedure 1973.
30
the accused to have free and competent legal assistance has been

prescribed. It reads as under:


"39A. Equal justice and free legal aid.—The State shall secure that the

operation of the legal system promotes justice, on a basis of equal

opportunity, and shall, in particular, provide free legal aid, by suitable


legislation or schemes or in any other way, to ensure that opportunities
for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic

or other disabilities. 44

The concept of legal aid is rightly stated to be the spirit of equality

and its movement is dedicated and devoted to the philosophy of equal


justice to the indigent. Equal justice is a fair treatment within the
purview of judicial process. Equal justice is, therefore, corrective of

inequalities which cause social imbalance, without which justice in

society cannot be propounded in reality. Equality of law and equality

before law is an imperative provided in the fundamental right in the

Indian Constitution. With a view to make this right a reality, for those

largely depressed and deprived, down-trodden and destitute, dejected


and rejected, forlorn and forgotten, lowly and lost, legal service has been

a remedy, which is provided in our Constitution. 45

Article 41 mentions about the right to work, to education and to


employment assistance within the limits of State's economic capacity and

44
Article 39-A added by 42nd constitution amendment act 1976
45
Sukdas v. Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh 1986 Cr.L.J 1084.
31
development; Article 42 speaks of ensuring just and humane conditions

of work and for maternity relief. Article 43 speaks of provision for living

wages to all workers, leisure and social and cultural activity; Article 45

directs compulsory free education for all children under 14 years;

Article 47 speaks of the duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition

and standard of living of its citizens and to improve public health while

Article 48A speaks of duty to protect environment, and to safeguard

forests and wild life 46. Many of these directions and rights have been

given legislative shape by our Parliament or State Legislatures. As a

result, we have various enactments covering minimum wages, working

conditions in factories, mines, etc. employees' insurance to take care of

the health of employees and their families, for gratuity, bonus, hours of

work and leisure, for land reform measures, employment schemes,

measures to advance the interests of S.Cs. /S.Ts. and other weaker

sections, financial assistance to such sections, measures for protection of

women and children, and so on. It is another matter that in the matter of

implementation, we are very much wanting. The Courts too have not

been silent spectators. This may be open to criticism as judicial

lawmaking no doubt, but the fact is that it has been made and the

Parliament has not tried to undo them - as it has done in some other

46
Article 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 48a. Of the constitution of India
32
instances. Today, therefore, it would not be correct to say that Directive

Principles are not enforceable by Courts. 47

13 .Social justice through the welfare legislation:

The welfare legislations enacted during the post-independence era. The

establishment of Human Rights Commission, Women's Commission, Family

Courts, Industrial tribunals, Administrative Tribunals, Ombudsman,

Panchayati Raj, and Lok Adalats etc are only a few illustrations to suggest

that the sole objective is to make justice available to a common man and

ameliorate the sufferings of masses including women, children and other

neglected and weaker sections of the society. The laws relating to consumers

protection, dowry prohibition, abolition of bonded labour, control of

environmental pollution etc. have been enacted to provide social justice.

The Civil Rights Act, 1955

The immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956

The Probation of Offenders Act, 1958

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971

The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976

The Family Courts Act, 1984

The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986

47
– Hon'ble – Mr. Justice Shard D. due – "Human Rights and Social Justice under the Constitution “2007– p. 93-94.

33
The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 200

The SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

The Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act, 1978

The National Commission for Women Act, 1990

The Public Liability Insurance Rights Act, 1991

The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993

Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994

The (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996

These socio-economic measures are meant to protect the dignity of human

personality and to ensure prosperity of people as also the State. 48

13. .Role of judiciary as a dispenser of social justice:


Although the Concept of Social Justice has no definite and fixed meaning

– The Supreme Court in D.S. Nakara v. Union of India 49 A has observed


that the principal aim of socialism is to eliminate inequality of income

and status and standard of life and to provide a decent standard of life to

the working people. Social justice is the recognition of greater good to a


larger number without deprivation or accrual of legal rights of anybody.

If such a thing can be done, then social justice must prevail over

48
Keshavanand Bharti v. State of India AIR, 1973 SC 14.
49
AIR 1983 S.C 130
34
any technical rule. The expression 'social and economic justice' involves the

concept of 'distributive justice', which can notes the removal of economic

inequalities and rectifying the in justice resulting from dealings or

transactions between the unequal in society. Social Justice, therefore,

comprehends more than lessening of inequalities by differential fixation,

giving debt relief or regulation of contractual relations; it also means the

restoration of properties to those who have been deprived of them by

unconscionable bargains; it may also take from of forced redistribution of

wealth as a means of achieving a fair division of material resources among

the member of the society. The ideal of economic justice is to make equality

of status meaningful and life worth living at its best removing inequality of

opportunity and of status – social, economic and political. Social justice

would also include legal justice, which means that the system of

administration of justice must provide a cheap, expeditious and effective

instrument for realization of justice by all sections of the people irrespective

of their social or economic position or their financial resources. 50 .

In Calcutta Electrical Construction Company Ltd, v. J.C. Bose case 51,

The Supreme Court held that right to social justice is a fundamental

right. In Consumer and Education Research Centre case, 3 Judges Bench

50
Andhra Law Times Journal 2002. P-11.
51
AIR 1992 S.C 573 585
35
declared that the right to social justice to the worker is a fundamental

right. He has a right to health and medical care as a fundamental right to

live with dignity. Right to life includes better standards of life, hygienic

conditions in work place and leisure.

Consumer Education and Research center v. union of India 52

The preamble and Article 38 of the Constitution of India – the supreme

law envisions social justice as its arch to ensure life to be meaningful and

livable with human dignity. Jurisprudence is the eye of law giving an

insight into the environment of which it is the expression. It relates the

law to the spirit of the time and makes it richer. Law is the ultimate aim

of every civilized society as a key system in a given era, to meet the

needs and demands of its time. Justice, according to law, comprehends

social urge and commitment. The Constitution commands justice,

liberty, equality and fraternity as supreme values to usher in the

egalitarian social, economic and political democracy. Social justice,

equality and dignity of person are corner stone’s of social democracy.

The concept 'social justice' which the Constitution of India engrafted,

consists of diverse principle essential for the orderly growth and

development of personality of every citizen. "Social justice" is thus an

integral part of "justice" in generic sense. Justice is the genus, of which

social justice is one of its species. Social justice is dynamic devise to

mitigate the sufferings of the poor,

52
AIR 1995 S.C 922
36
weak, Detail, Tribal’s and deprived sections of the society and to elevate

them to the level of equality to live a life with dignity of person. Social

justice is not a simple or single idea of a society but is an essential part of

complex of social change to relieve the poor etc. from handicaps, penury to

ward off distress, and to make their life livable, for greater good of the

society at large. In other words, the aim of social justice is to attain

substantial degree of social, economic and political equality, which is the

legitimate expectation. Social security, just and humane conditions of work

and leisure to workman are part of his meaningful right to life and to

achieve self-expression of his personality and to enjoy the life with dignity,

the State should provide facilities and opportunities to them to reach at

least minimum standard of health, economic security and civilized living

while sharing according to the capacity, social and cultural heritage."

Air India Statutory Corporation and other v. United Labour Union 53

The Constitutional concern of social justice as an elastic continuous process is

to accord justice to all sections of the society by providing facilities and

opportunities to remove handicaps and disabilities with which the poor, the

workmen etc are languishing and to secure dignity of their person. The

Constitution, therefore, mandates the State to accord justice to all the

members of the society in all facets of human activity.

53
AIR 1997 SCC 377
37
Social justice and equality are complementary to each other so that both

should maintain their vitality. Rule of law, therefore, is a potent instrument

of social justice to bring about equality in results. It was accordingly held

that right to social justice and right to health are Fundamental Rights

In Olga Telis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation 5455popularly known as

pavement dwellers case, the Supreme Court of India held that word

'life' in Art. 21 include also the right to livelihood. This judgment of

Supreme Court has created awakening in the public about their rights.

Thus the Apex Court extended social justice to hawkers who earned

their bread loaf from hawking on pavements. In some cases Supreme

Court had set aside the provisions of enactments where social justice

so demanded. Abolition of bonded labour is undoubtedly an

important achievement in terms of social justice. It was an urgent

heed of time as otherwise all the achievements made would have

proved to be meaningless in terms of protection of human rights

under Article. 23(1) of the Constitution of India. Various forms of

forced labour have been prohibited and its contravention has been

declared to be an offence punishable under the law. The Supreme

Court while considering the scope of Art.23 in the context of bonded

labour observed that not only beggar rather all forms of forced labour

would be prohibited under this Article as it declares illegal 56

54
AIR 1885 Sc 180

38
any form of forced labour being violative of human dignity and contrary

to basic human values. Therefore, every form of forced labour has been

prohibited under Art.23 as the practice of forced labour has been

condemned in almost every international instrument dealing with human

rights.55

From a theoretical perspective, the term "social justice" seems to imply

testing a problem or a controversy on a broad social canvas rather than

taking a microscopic view on the dispute, and come to a decision on that

basis. But if the society desires that the Judges ought to dispense social

justice, then it becomes inevitable that the judiciary will have to take into

consideration a large number of social, and may be political factors which

are not directly in issue in a dispute, and the judgments in such a case

would have to be anchored on these factors. From where do the Courts

derive their power or authority to embark on a social-political exercise to

resolve a dispute? Do the judges, trained in law, have the technical

competence, experience or expertise to properly analyze the social-

political aspects pertaining to a dispute? Before this aspect is probed, it

would be worthwhile to examine in what manner and so what extent the

Indian judiciary has been influenced by the principles of Social Justice.56

55 Bandhua Mukti Morcha v.Union of India AIR 1984 SC 802.


56 Justice Aniruddh Bose "Social Justice and the Constitution Role of Judiciary as an Interpreter of Law

& Dispenser of Justice ‘Maya Deep 2007 p.8.

39
From this brief analyses of these authorities touching upon the issue of

social justice, it would became clear that it is the duty of the Courts to bring

within the ambit of the decision making process the Directive Principles of

specified in Part IV of the Constitution. Articles within this part mostly deal

with economic, cultural and social rights and broadly fit the requirement of

social justice. Judges would be failing in their constitutional duty if they

ignore the concept of "Social Justice", while adjudicating on issues in which

such a question is raised. 57

14. Social justice –A dream or reality:

The Apex Court has contributed a lot of to achieve the goal of Social Justice.

The first and foremost tool that Judiciary device is the public interest to

promote The Social Justice. The courts in the Country did everything to

help the poor and to break every procedural barrier to Deliver Justice to

the poor. Te Apex Court has recognized right to equal pay for equal work.

Right to education, right to livelihood child welfare. Thus we can say that

Supreme Court has played a pivotal role to make India a welfare state and

to make the dream of Social Justice a reality, the Judicial Activism has

proved to be a boon for the common. The Supreme Court has acted as

Instrument of Social Justice and has given adequate Support to the causes

of Weaker Sections of the Society. The Social

. 57 Justice Aniruddh Bose "Social Justice and the Constitution Role of Judiciary as an Interpreter of
Law & Dispenser of Justice ‘Maya Deep 2007 p.11.

40
Justice is a balancing wheel between freedom, political and Economic

Justice making the Survival of Democracy possible. The Judiciary Virtually

enforced Directive principles through the doors of fundamental rights by

the dynamic instrument of Interpretative power. 58

In Keshavanand Bharti case 59. The Supreme Court was declared that

India is welfare State as basic structure in a parliamentary democracy.

Further lead was taken in Minerva- Mill’s case, 60 and the Supreme Court

put on firm hold that the directive principles and fundamental rights

should be harmoniously interpreted as two wheels of the chariot to

establish an egalitarian social order After Champak am Dorai Raj's case 61

(1951), Article 15(4), by Constitution, First Amendment Act, directs to

make special provision for the social, economic and educational

advancement of the Scheduled Castes, 'Scheduled Tribes and Backward

Classes. Article 15(3) imposes positive duty of that the State to make

special provision in favour of women and children to remove gender

inequality and social injustice. Similarly, while Article 16(1) provides

equality of opportunity to all citizens in relation to public employment,

Clause (4) expressly gears positive equality by making reservation in

public employment in favour of Scheduled Castes Schedule Tribes and

Backward Classes who are not adequately represented in the

58Dr. Mayuri Pandey "Social Justice: A Dream of Reality? Journal 2009, p. 19.
59 AIR 1973 SC1461
60 AIR 1980 SC 75
61 AIR 1951SC226

41
public services. Reservation in promotions with the consequential

seniority was provided for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Equal opportunity for higher education has been guaranteed in Article

15(4) of the Constitution. These are basic to social and economic equality

of opportunity and of equality status and dignity to the weaker sections of

the people in particular, the Scheduled Casts and Schedule Tribes. The

State shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

Rangachari's case (1962), Thomas case (1976) declared that reservation

in Promotions is a part of equality in Article 16(1) which was reiterated in

Indira Sahwny's case 62 (1993) that Article 16(4) is facet of Article 16(1)

itself. Social justice to Scheduled Casts and Schedule Tribes for socio-

economic equality in results on par with other social group citizens has

constitutionally been guaranteed to them. The protection of the minorities

in Articles 29 and 30 is a facet of right to social justice and prohibition on

grounds of religion outlawed by guaranteeing freedom of religion, right to

practice of their choice and right to manage subject to social welfare of

their institutions. From Kerala Education Bill case (1958) to

Mazomdar's case (2005) is the march of law.

In State of Karnataka 63 case, the Supreme Court held the right to water is

a fundamental right, and prohibition to draw water violates the

fundamental right to equality and equal dignity. Right to shelter,

guaranteed in Article 19(l) (d) was declared as a fundamental right to life

and Chameli Singh case further holding that the right to shelter to be

62 AIR 1953 SC447


63 AIR 1993 SC 1126

42
meaningful to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe, it is the duty of the

State to construct houses to them at its cost to make the right to live in

permanent settlement a meaningful right to social justice. 64

Article 21 of the Constitution protects the life and personal liberty. No

person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the

procedure established by law. It is a guaranteed protection to life. Its

deprivation shall be only by the procedure which in Maneka Gandhi case 65

declared the test of "reasonableness" which must be "just, fair and

reasonable". The right to life in Article 21 as was declared in Olga Tellis'

case (1986) by a Constitutional Bench is not mere animal existence but it

includes means, to livelihood, which was elaborated in later judgments

essential needs to live with dignity. Right to livelihood was declared as a

right to life, In Kirloskar Brothers Ltd 66.the Supreme Court declared the

expression “right to life does include better standard of living condition in

the work place" as fundamental right.

15. Implementation of directive principles of state policy.

Role of social policies and schemes to provide social justice.

The government has made a number of schemes and social policies.

1. National old age pension (NOAP)

2 .Mid day meals schemes (MDMS)

64 Ahmadabad Municipal Corporation v. Nawabkhan AIR 1997. (11) SCC 121.


65 AIR 1978 SC597
66 AIR 1996 SCC .682

43
3. Annapurna yojana

4 National family benefit schemes. (NFBS)

5. Sampurna gramin rozgar yojana

6. Mahatma Gandhi National rural employment guarantee act 2005

(MNREGA) 67

7. Indira Gandhi awas yojana (IAY)

8. Swrn jayanti gram swarozgar yojana (SGSY)

9. Serve shikshaabhiyan

10. Right of children to free and compulsory education (2009)

11. National rural health mission 2005

12. Kanshi rams awas yojana

16. Statement of the problems:

Why Are People Not Able To Get Work Even Though The Central

Government Has Numerous Employment Generation Schemes?

Why Are Old People, Children, Young Girls, Pregnant and Lactating

Women Not Availing of Their Rights?

Why Are Our Women and Children Weak and Malnutrition When the

Government's Food Grain is Rotting, Being Stolen or Dumped

into the Sea?

67
Human Rights year Book 2006 p. 98-103.
44
Why Do People Have To Go To Bed Hungry Every Night Even Though

The Government Has A Responsibility To Ensure That Everyone Has

right To Eat

NREGA now new name is MNREGA has not been implemented

properly in states. Accusing the states administration of inefficiency

in

its. Execution so the government should ensure the legal rights of 100

days of employment to those who are willing to work.

More than 64 years after independence untouchability is alive and

thriving in India, this was born out in a survey by national law school

Bangalore, which was reported recently dalits are still segregated

with a little access to temple water source and upper caste area.

86th amendment act of 2002 which made free and compulsorily

education for children in the 6-14 group a fundamental right

However education up to the age of14 does not make one fit for gain

full employment the constitution should be amended to provide free

education at last till the completion of class x or xii

Although the protection of women from domestic violence act 2005

requires the court to complete preceding within 60 days, in a majority

of the cases this time line is not being met. One of the

45
persistent complaint s of women going to the courts is the long dates

being which makes litigation a different proposition,

To reformation in the status of women, children, prisoners, poor

scheduled cast and scheduled tribes OBC and minorities. So that social

justice may be gain.

17. Research Methodology:

Doctrinal method has been adopted in the present work in this reference I

have use the deferent provisions of Indian constitution books law journal,

reports political law times. Which are related with the social justice so we

can say that the social justice is the most important for the welfare state

and to save the democracy in India?

18 .Scheme of the study chapter wise description: Thus

we say that Indian constitution is a bag of borrowed from the other

countries constitution such as in Chapter (ii) is related worldwide

approach regarding social justice. Preamble of the constitution has been

taken from the Australian constitution. Fundamental rights from the U.S.A

constitution .directive principles of state policy has been adopted from the

Ireland constitution article 45 directive principle of social policy .Chapter

(iii) is social justice and equality under the constitution of India This

provision has accepted from the U.S.A BILL of rights .social justice and

equality.

46
Chapter (iv) is related other provisions of social justice under the

constitution of India under article 19to32, 38 to51 and part ix ,ix ixa ,x

For the welfare of the state to save the democracy of India.

Chapter (v) Needs of social justice under the constitution of India. For

example reformation in the status of women, children, poor people,

scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBC .Minorities.

Chapter (VI) is related judicial approach regarding social justice. Such as

public interest litigation, judicial activism, judicial review and Re judicial

review or curative petition. For example Jessica lal.zahira Habibulla

seiksh, Aarushi murder case.

Chapter (vii) is conclusion and suggestions. Critical appraisal of social

justice and suggestions. Such as properly implementation of laws. To

abolish the corruption and must be transparency in all the schemes and

yojana which is governed by central and state government.

To abolish reservation policy on the ground of socially and educationally


only provide on the economical ground.

47

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