What is Rule of Law?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
Supremacy of Law: The law is supreme, and no one is above it, including government officials or powerful individuals.
- 2.
Equality Before the Law: All individuals are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection and benefit of the law.
- 3.
Accountability to the Law: Government officials and institutions are accountable to the law and must act within the bounds of their legal authority.
- 4.
Fairness in the Application of the Law: Laws must be applied fairly and impartially, without discrimination or bias.
Visual Insights
The Principle of Rule of Law in India
This mind map explains the core tenets of the Rule of Law, its importance in governance, and how it is upheld in India, with specific reference to the Supreme Court's stance on administrative accountability and judicial independence.
Rule of Law
- ●Core Principles
- ●Importance in Governance
- ●Mechanisms in India
- ●Contemporary Challenges (Malda Incident)
Recent Real-World Examples
10 examplesIllustrated in 10 real-world examples from Mar 2026 to Apr 2026
Source Topic
Supreme Court Slams Bengal Govt Over Gherao of Judicial Officers
Polity & GovernanceUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is the Rule of Law and what is its constitutional basis in India?
The Rule of Law means everyone, including the government, is subject to the law. It is a principle where all persons and institutions are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. In the Indian Constitution, its basis can be found in Article 14 (Equality before the law), Article 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty), and Article 32 (Right to constitutional remedies).
Exam Tip
Remember Articles 14, 21, and 32 as key constitutional provisions related to the Rule of Law.
2. What are the key provisions that uphold the Rule of Law?
The key provisions are: * Supremacy of Law: The law is supreme, and no one is above it. * Equality Before the Law: All individuals are equal before the law. * Accountability to the Law: Government officials are accountable to the law. * Fairness in the Application of the Law: Laws must be applied fairly. * Separation of Powers: Power is divided among government branches.
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