The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been one of the most contentious laws in India, often criticized as draconian and unconstitutional by various states and human rights organizations. Originally enacted to curb insurgency and maintain public order, AFSPA grants sweeping powers to the armed forces, including the right to shoot to kill, arrest…
Introduction The Doctrine of Basic Structure is a fundamental principle in Indian constitutional law that ensures the core values and essential features of the Indian Constitution remain intact despite amendments. The doctrine prevents Parliament from altering or destroying the fundamental framework of the Constitution, thereby preserving the democratic and federal nature of India’s governance. This…
Introduction The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land, laying the foundation for governance and the rights of citizens. At the heart of this monumental document lies its Preamble, a guiding philosophy that encapsulates the essence of Indian democracy. The Preamble is not just an introduction but a declaration of the fundamental…
Introduction The civil services form the backbone of any democratic nation, playing a crucial role in governance and public administration. One of the most revered and fundamental qualities of civil services is neutrality. The concept of neutrality ensures that civil servants function with impartiality, objectivity, and non-partisanship, serving the government of the day without bias…
Introduction The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India plays a pivotal role in upholding and protecting human rights in the country. Established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993, the NHRC serves as an independent statutory body tasked with safeguarding the fundamental rights of individuals. Its primary mission…
Introduction Civil servants play a crucial role in governance, ensuring the effective implementation of policies, maintaining public trust, and upholding the rule of law. Their conduct directly impacts the efficiency, fairness, and integrity of the government. To ensure ethical and effective public administration, civil servants must adhere to a set of foundational values that guide…
Introduction Immanuel Kant, one of the most influential philosophers of the Enlightenment era, developed a moral philosophy centered around duty and moral law. His doctrine of “duty for duty’s sake”, found in his work Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, emphasizes that moral actions must be performed purely out of a sense of duty, rather…
Introduction Probity is a fundamental principle in governance that emphasizes integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in public administration. It ensures that public officials act in the best interest of society while maintaining transparency and accountability. Probity is crucial for building public trust, preventing corruption, and fostering good governance. The philosophical basis of probity is deeply…
Introduction Civil services play a crucial role in governance, ensuring the smooth implementation of policies and administration of public affairs. As the backbone of a nation’s governance structure, civil servants are expected to uphold high ethical standards, demonstrating impartiality and commitment in their duties. These two values are fundamental to a just and efficient civil…
Introduction Corruption is one of the most pressing challenges in governance, undermining public trust and hindering national development. In many countries, including India, prosecuting corrupt government officials requires prior sanction from the government or a competent authority. While this provision is intended to protect honest officials from frivolous accusations and politically motivated harassment, it has…