The Relevance Of Rawlsian Justice In India

Susmita Mandal & Supriya Bhatpahari, Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur

ABSTRACT

The theory of justice as laid down by John Rawls has left an indelible impression in the field of law and politics. He has focused on the ideologies of liberty, equality and fair opportunity to all. He advocated the etiquettes of equality and social welfare. His theory encompassed the concept of redistributive justice with the analogy of original position and veil of ignorance. His theory was somehow foreshadowed by the framers of the Indian Constitution. It is very relevant in the current scenario specifically in underdeveloped and developing nations like India. In India, we have that the concept of redistributive justice which has been incorporated in the Preamble, the articles of the Constitution and many of the Indian laws. It helps us narrow the gap between the rich and the poor by meeting the needs of social and economic justice. In this research project, we will explore how Rawls’ theory is adopted by the Indian legislators and the judges, and how far it has been successful in solving the pressing social, political and economic issues in India.