Understanding Laws - Long Answer Questions
Yes. Rule of Law means that all laws apply equally to all citizens, including the President. No one is above the law.
There were innumerable overlapping local laws. Punishment varied by caste (lower caste punished more harshly).
Historians debate this. 1. Colonial law was arbitrary (e.g., Sedition Act). 2. Indian nationalists played a big role in evolving the legal sphere. So British didn't just 'gift' it.
Any person protesting or criticizing the British government could be arrested without due trial. This was an example of arbitrary law.
General Dyer fired on people without warning for defying a ban they didn't know about. Arbitrary violence.
Different groups in society raise the need for a particular law. Parliament responds. Example: Domestic Violence Act.
A law to protect women from physical, emotional, verbal, and economic abuse at home (by husband/male relative). It defines 'domestic' widely.
Women's groups, lawyers, and NGOs worked for over a decade. They drafted bills, held consultations, and pressurized the Parliament. Passed in 2005, effect in 2006.
Injury or harm or threat of harm caused by an adult male against a woman who is, or has been, in a domestic relationship with him.
They can protest, hold rallies, write to newspapers, approach the court. If a law is constitutional but unpopular, people can force the govt to change it.
A law that prevents people from exercising their fundamental rights (e.g., law preventing street vendors from vending).
Use her example in context of challenging unwarranted laws (segregation laws in US).
They must be sensitive to the problems faced by people. They draft and pass the bill.
The Judiciary (Supreme Court/High Court) can declare it null and void (Strike it down).
A meeting where people give their opinions on a draft law.
The principle that law is supreme, not the ruler. Established by the Constitution.
Allowed British to imprison people without trial. Gandhiji started Satyagraha against it.
Lawyers. Judges decide.
Law changes as society changes (e.g., Ancient caste laws -> Modern equality laws).
Hawking zones vs Right to Livelihood. Laws must balance both.
Understanding Laws - Important Facts
Rule of Law is a foundation of democracy.
Sedition Act 1870 was arbitrary.
Rowlatt Act 1919 was arbitrary.
Jallianwala Bagh massacre (13 April 1919).
Hindu Succession Amendment Act (2005) gave daughters equal share.
Domestic Violence Act passed in 2005.
Lawyers Collective is an NGO.
Parliamentary Standing Committee reviews bills.
Citizens play a crucial role in law making.
Media is the voice of the citizen.
Unpopular laws can be challenged.
Street vending is a livelihood for millions.
Constitution guarantees Right to Livelihood.
Courts have the power of Judicial Review.
Laws must be constitutional.
Discriminatory laws are void.
Apartheid laws in South Africa were unjust.
Civil Rights Movement changed US laws.
National compaign for Right to Information (RTI).
RTI Act passed in 2005.
Right to Education (RTE) passed in 2009.
Laws protect the weak.
Laws ensure order.
Disagreement is part of democracy.
Dissent expresses disagreement.
Gandhiji used non-violent dissent.
Salt Satyagraha broke the Salt Law.
Laws are not static.
Section 377 (LGBT rights) was read down.
Triple Talaq was banned.
Dowry Prohibition Act (1961).
Consumer Protection Act (1986).
Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act (2013).
Laws reflect society's values.
Public pressure works.
Signature campaigns show support.
Editorials influence opinion.
TV news debates highlight issues.
MPs must listen to voters.
Coalitions often compromise on laws.
Ordinance is a temporary law by President.
Bill -> Act.
President signs the Act.
Gazette notification makes it official.
Understanding Laws - Important Dates/Terms
Domestic Violence Act passed
DV Act came into effect
Rowlatt Act/Jallianwala Bagh
Sedition Act