Question

Write in your own words what you understand by the term the ‘rule of law'. in your response include a fictitious or real example of a violation of the rule of law.

Answer 1

The Rule of Law falls under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution which guarantees equality before the law. It means that no man is above the law and that every person is subject to the jurisdiction of ordinary courts of law, irrespective of his rank and position. From a poor person to the President, be it a police constable or a collector, all is treated equally by law. The Rule of Law requires that no person should be subjected to harsh, uncivilised or arbitrary treatment.

Thus, the Indian Constitution effectively applies the Rule of Law.

Example: A minister along with some members of a company was involved in a scam. When an enquiry was conducted, the minister was discharged from the guilt, while the members of the company were charged guilty. As the minister was more powerful than the company members, he used his power to get rid of the guilty charges pressed against him. This shows a violation of the Rule of Law.