RULE OF LAW (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court emphasized that to preserve the rule of law as the essence of democracy, it is the duty of courts to enforce it "without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."

Rule of Law

• About: Rule of law ensures that everyone is subject to the law, emphasizing that no individual is above its authority, fostering equal accountability for all.
• Fundamental Principle: The concept of the Rule of Law is ingrained in the British Constitution, highlighting that no one, regardless of position or status, is exempt from the authority of ordinary courts of law.
• Supremacy of the Law: One of the most fundamental principles, the Rule of Law underscores that the law is supreme, necessitating government actions to align with and operate within the legal boundaries.

Indian Constitutional Articles Regarding the Rule of Law?

• Article 14: It is the foundational constitutional provision, ensuring the right to equality before the law and equal protection of the laws.
• Article 19: It guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, and movement, with reasonable restrictions.
• Article 21: It ensures the right to life and personal liberty, stating that deprivation of these rights must follow a lawful procedure.