Jagrati AwasthiAIR 2 · CSE 2020 · 190 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
Law is an agent of ensuring collective welfare by preventing social evils, reforming unjust systems, ensuring culture of equality and social order.
However, only letter of law cannot bring changes or ethical behaviour. It needs to be backed by conscience.
Body · points
(i) Internalising spirit of law. Eg. Untouchability abolition laws failed to prevent discrimination because individual conscience didn't adopt it and behaviour remained unchanged.
(ii) Values need to be attached to laws and interpreted in light of social context. Eg. Anti-dowry legislation has not curbed dowry. The people do not see it in terms of values of gender-justice.
(iii) Mechanical implementation cannot bring change. Eg. 73rd constitution amendment reserves 1/3rd seats for women. Often men act as proxy for women-Sarpanch. On paper, law is upheld but gender-justice is not achieved.
(v) Need for self-regulation.
Close · a summary
Law is enforced externally through supervising agencies but in the privacy of homes, own conscience is the regulator. Eg. respecting women at workplace and abusing them at home or bad-mouthing women in private discussions.
Laws can be a change catalyst, but people through their ideology and actions bring actual change. Law should be internalised in its spirit.