Social, economic and political justice
Topic: Preamble and the Philosophy of the Constitution · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 10 "The Constitution of India: An Introduction"; Class 11, Ch 1 "Constitution: Why and How?"; Class 11, Ch 2 "Rights in the Indian Constitution"
Meaning
Social, economic and political justice are the three forms of justice promised by the Objectives Resolution, the Preamble and Art. 38. The ideal is usually traced to the Russian Revolution.
- Social justice: no discrimination by caste, religion, gender or race, and fewer social inequalities.
- Economic justice: fair sharing of wealth and resources (Art. 39(b)-(c)).
- Political justice: equal political rights, including the adult vote (Art. 326) and equal access to public office.
Example
Art. 326 gives every adult citizen the vote, which is political justice. The 42nd Amendment (1976) added Art. 39A on equal justice and free legal aid, so that poverty does not block anyone's access to the courts.
Don't confuse with
- Liberty, equality and fraternity: these ideals come from the French Revolution. The idea of social, economic and political justice comes from the Russian Revolution.