What is the importance of ‘Justice—Social, Economic, and Political’ as stated in the Preamble? How has this principle been achieved through constitutional provisions?

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The Preamble’s emphasis on “Justice—Social, Economic, and Political” highlights the Indian Constitution’s commitment to creating a just and equitable society. It envisions a society where all individuals have equal opportunities and are free from various forms of injustice.

Significance of the Three Dimensions of Justice:

  1. Social Justice: This aims to eliminate social inequalities based on caste, creed, religion, gender, race, or place of birth. It seeks to create a society where everyone has equal status and opportunities, regardless of their social background.
  2. Economic Justice: This focuses on reducing economic disparities and ensuring a fair distribution of wealth and resources. It aims to provide everyone with basic necessities, opportunities for economic advancement, and protection against exploitation.
  3. Political Justice: This guarantees equal participation in the political process, including the right to vote, contest elections, and hold public office, regardless of social or economic status. It ensures that all citizens have a voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives.

Constitutional Provisions Achieving Justice:

The Constitution incorporates several provisions aimed at achieving these three dimensions of justice:

Social Justice:

  • Article 14 (Equality before Law): Guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
  • Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion,1 race, caste, sex or place of birth):2 Prohibits discrimination by the State against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.3
  • Article 16 (Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment):4 Guarantees equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State.
  • Article 17 (Abolition of Untouchability):5 Abolishes “Untouchability” and forbids its practice in any form.
  • Article 25 (Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion): Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions6 of this Part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion.7
  • Reservation Policies: Provisions for reservation of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs)8 aim to address historical disadvantages and promote social inclusion.

Economic Justice:

  • Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) (Part IV): While not directly enforceable in courts, the DPSPs guide the state in formulating policies to promote economic and social welfare. They advocate for equitable distribution of resources, fair wages, and protection of workers.
  • Article 38 (State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people): The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a9 social order in which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of the national life.10
  • Land Reforms: Laws relating to land ceiling, tenancy reforms, and abolition of intermediaries aimed to redistribute land and reduce economic inequalities in rural areas.
  • Labor Laws: Various labor laws aimed at protecting the rights of workers, ensuring fair wages, and providing social security benefits.

Political Justice:

  • Universal Adult Suffrage: Every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote, irrespective of their social or economic background.
  • Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipalities: The establishment of local self-government institutions empowers citizens to participate in local governance and decision-making processes.
  • Right to Information Act (RTI): This Act empowers citizens to access information from government bodies, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

Conclusion:

The ideal of justice—social, economic, and political—is central to the Indian Constitution’s vision of a just and equitable society. While challenges remain, the constitutional provisions mentioned above have played a significant role in promoting greater social inclusion, reducing economic disparities, and ensuring wider political participation. These provisions aim to translate the abstract ideal of justice into concrete realities for all citizens.

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