Social Justice — Practice

Question 1

Name and briefly explain the three principles of distributive justice.

Accepted Answer

1. Equal treatment: everyone receives the same regardless of differences. Problem: ignores different needs and unequal starting positions. 2. Merit-based: distribution according to effort, talent, or contribution. Problem: 'merit' is shaped by privilege — good schools, nutrition, social support. 3. Need-based: distribution according to what people need. Problem: defining needs can be contested; may create dependency. Most real-world systems combine all three principles.

Question 2

Explain Rawls' 'Veil of Ignorance' and the Difference Principle. Why is Rawls' theory relevant to India?

Accepted Answer

John Rawls, in 'A Theory of Justice' (1971), uses a thought experiment called the Original Position: imagine you must design the basic rules of society, but you are behind a 'Veil of Ignorance' — you don't know your future identity (caste, gender, wealth, ability). In this position, what rules would a rational person choose? Rawls argues you would choose two principles: First, equal basic liberties for everyone. Second, the Difference Principle — social and economic inequalities are acceptable only if they are attached to positions open to everyone AND they benefit the LEAST ADVANTAGED members of society. The veil of ignorance makes justice rational: since you might end up as the poorest member of society, you would demand that even the worst-off position be protected and improved. Relevance to India: The Difference Principle provides a powerful justification for India's affirmative action system (reservations for SCs, STs, OBCs) and welfare programmes. It argues that a society where the least advantaged are systematically left behind is UNJUST — not merely unfortunate. Article 39A (free legal aid), the MGNREGS, and public distribution systems can all be justified through Rawlsian reasoning.

Question 3

How does the Indian Constitution pursue social justice? Is the constitutional vision of social justice fully realised in practice?

Accepted Answer

The Indian Constitution embeds social justice as a foundational commitment at multiple levels. In the Preamble: 'JUSTICE — social, economic, and political' is the first value mentioned — preceding liberty and equality — indicating its centrality to the constitutional project. Through Fundamental Rights: Article 17 abolishes untouchability — the most extreme form of social injustice — making its practice a punishable offence. Article 15(4) and 16(4) enable reservations for socially and educationally backward classes, SCs, and STs, recognising that formal equality without substantive correction perpetuates injustice. Through Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV): these provide a roadmap for social justice — right to work (Art 41), living wage (Art 43), free legal aid (Art 39A), equal pay for equal work (Art 39(d)), protection of health and strength of workers, and free and compulsory education for children. Through specific legislation: the Protection of Civil Rights Act, the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the MGNREGS (100 days employment guarantee), the National Food Security Act, and the RTE Act. Is this vision fully realised? No. Despite 75+ years: caste-based violence continues; manual scavenging persists; Adivasi communities face displacement from forests and land; the gender pay gap remains significant; and access to quality education, healthcare, and justice is deeply unequal. India's constitutional commitment to social justice is a journey, not a destination. The institutions exist — the challenge is implementation, accountability, and political will.

Practice — Social Justice

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