Social Justice – Overview, Evolution, and Dimensions
Social justice means ensuring fairness, equality, and dignity for every individual in society. It focuses on reducing inequalities, protecting the weaker sections, and giving equal opportunities to all.
In India, social justice is not just a moral value but also a constitutional goal. It forms the foundation of democracy, welfare policies, and development programmes. The idea is simple: every person should get what they deserve, without discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, region, or economic status.
Overview of Social Justice
- Meaning: Social justice is about creating a society where everyone has equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources.
- Aim: To remove inequalities in wealth, status, privileges, and opportunities.
- Basis in India: Our Constitution, especially the Preamble, speaks of Justice – social, economic, and political.
- Core Idea: No one should be left behind due to social or economic disadvantages.
Key Features of Social Justice
- Equality before law and equal protection of law.
- Abolition of discrimination (based on caste, gender, religion, etc.).
- Protection of weaker sections like SCs, STs, OBCs, women, and minorities.
- Welfare measures for poor and marginalized.
- Right to education, health, and employment.
- Promoting inclusive growth.
Evolution of Social Justice in India
1. Ancient India
- Indian society was divided into varnas (caste system). Initially, it was based on division of labor but later became rigid and discriminatory.
- Religious texts like the Upanishads and Buddhist teachings spoke about equality and compassion.
- Ashoka’s Dhamma promoted tolerance, welfare, and justice.
2. Medieval India
- Bhakti and Sufi movements challenged caste hierarchies.
- Saints like Kabir, Guru Nanak, Chaitanya spread messages of equality.
3. Colonial Period
- British rule introduced modern laws, Western education, and social reforms.
- Social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy (abolition of Sati), Jyotiba Phule (education for lower castes), Swami Vivekananda (upliftment of masses), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (eradication of untouchability) worked for justice.
4. Post-Independence
- The Constitution of India laid down the framework of social justice.
- Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles aimed at equality and upliftment of weaker sections.
- Landmark laws like Abolition of Untouchability Act (1955), Reservation Policies, Right to Education Act (2009), MGNREGA (2005) ensured social justice in practice.
Constitutional Basis of Social Justice
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Preamble | Justice – Social, Economic, Political |
| Fundamental Rights (Part III) | Equality before law (Art. 14), Abolition of Untouchability (Art. 17), Prohibition of discrimination (Art. 15), Equal opportunity in employment (Art. 16) |
| Directive Principles (Part IV) | Equal pay for equal work (Art. 39), Right to education (Art. 45, now 21A), Promotion of SC/ST interests (Art. 46), Right to work, health, and public assistance (Art. 41) |
| Fundamental Duties (Part IVA) | Promote harmony and spirit of brotherhood (Art. 51A) |
Note: The Constitution gives both justiciable rights (Fundamental Rights) and moral obligations (DPSPs) to achieve social justice.
Dimensions of Social Justice
Social justice is not limited to one aspect. It has multiple dimensions:
1. Political Dimension
- Equal political rights and participation.
- Universal adult franchise (one person, one vote).
- Reservation in legislatures for SCs/STs.
- Decentralization of power through Panchayati Raj.
Example: 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
2. Economic Dimension
- Fair distribution of wealth and resources.
- Removing poverty and unemployment.
- Land reforms and food security.
- Social security schemes for poor.
Example:
- MGNREGA (2005) – Right to work for rural households.
- National Food Security Act (2013) – Subsidized food for 67% of population.
3. Social Dimension
- Elimination of caste-based discrimination.
- Gender equality.
- Protection of minorities.
- Access to education and healthcare.
Example:
- RTE Act (2009) – Free and compulsory education up to 14 years.
- SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act (1989) – Safeguards against caste violence.
4. Environmental Dimension
- Justice not only for humans but also for nature and future generations.
- Sustainable development.
- Protection of tribal rights over forests.
Example:
- Forest Rights Act (2006) – Recognizes rights of forest dwellers.
- National Green Tribunal (2010) – Quick disposal of environmental cases.
5. Gender Justice
- Ending discrimination against women.
- Equal pay, maternity benefits, and safety at workplace.
- Political empowerment through reservation.
Example:
- Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 – 26 weeks paid maternity leave.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme – Promoting education of girls.
Contemporary Issues in Social Justice
- Caste Discrimination – Despite laws, caste-based violence still exists.
- Gender Inequality – Women face wage gaps, violence, and low representation in decision-making.
- Regional Disparities – Development is uneven across states.
- Digital Divide – Technology is not equally accessible to all.
- Minority Concerns – Issues of security, identity, and representation.
Government Schemes for Social Justice (Selected)
| Scheme | Target Group / Purpose |
|---|---|
| MGNREGA | Rural employment guarantee |
| National Food Security Act | Food for poor households |
| PM Awas Yojana | Housing for all |
| Beti Bachao Beti Padhao | Girl child protection & education |
| Stand Up India | Loans for women, SC, ST entrepreneurs |
| Ayushman Bharat | Health insurance for poor families |
| Skill India Mission | Employment through skill training |
Remark: These schemes focus on inclusive growth and bridging inequality gaps.
Role of Judiciary in Social Justice
- The Supreme Court and High Courts have given landmark judgments:
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973) – Basic structure includes justice.
- Indra Sawhney Case (1992) – Upheld reservation for OBCs (within 50% cap).
- Right to Education (2009) – Declared as a Fundamental Right.
- Navtej Johar Case (2018) – Decriminalized homosexuality ensuring LGBTQ rights.
Challenges in Achieving Social Justice
- Deep-rooted caste system.
- Rising income inequality.
- Corruption in welfare schemes.
- Political misuse of reservation.
- Social evils like dowry, honor killings, child marriage.
- Lack of awareness among marginalized groups.
Way Forward
- Education: Key to awareness and empowerment.
- Effective implementation of laws and schemes.
- Economic empowerment through jobs and skills.
- Gender sensitivity in policies.
- Technology inclusion to bridge digital divide.
- Community participation in governance.
Conclusion
Social justice is the soul of democracy and the foundation of a welfare state. India has made progress in reducing inequalities, but challenges remain. True social justice can be achieved only when every individual, regardless of caste, gender, religion, or economic status, gets equal opportunities and dignity.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar rightly said – “Justice has always evoked ideas of equality… rules of equal treatment are the essence of justice.”
