Extra Question Class 7 Chapter 8 Law and Social Justice

Short Answer Questions:

Q: Define the concept of social justice.

A: Social justice refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights in society, ensuring that all individuals and groups have access to basic necessities and are treated with dignity and respect.

Q: What is the role of law in promoting social justice?

A: The role of law in promoting social justice is to establish and enforce rules and regulations that protect the rights of individuals, prevent discrimination and exploitation, and ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all members of society.

Q: Name one fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

A: The right to equality is one fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

Q: How does the legal system address issues of discrimination and inequality?

A: The legal system addresses issues of discrimination and inequality by providing mechanisms for individuals to seek redressal for violations of their rights, such as filing lawsuits, lodging complaints with authorities, and seeking legal representation.

Q: What are the consequences of social injustice in society?

A: The consequences of social injustice in society include poverty, inequality, social unrest, violence, discrimination, marginalization, and the violation of human rights.

Q: What is the significance of laws in promoting social justice?

A: Laws play a crucial role in promoting social justice by establishing rights, ensuring equality before the law, protecting vulnerable groups, and providing mechanisms for redressal of grievances and injustices.

Q: Name one example of a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

A: The right to equality is one example of a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

Q: How do public interest litigations (PILs) contribute to social justice?

A: Public interest litigations (PILs) contribute to social justice by enabling individuals and groups to bring issues of public concern to the attention of the judiciary, seek judicial intervention to protect rights, promote accountability, and address systemic injustices.

Q: Define the term 'social justice.'

A: Social justice refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights in society, ensuring that all individuals and groups are treated with dignity, respect, and equality.

Q: What is the role of the judiciary in upholding social justice?

A: The judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding social justice by interpreting laws, protecting fundamental rights, adjudicating disputes, and ensuring that government actions comply with the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.

Q: How does the Constitution of India ensure social justice?

A: The Constitution of India ensures social justice through various provisions such as fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, and safeguards for vulnerable groups, which aim to promote equality, equity, and inclusivity in society.

Q: What role do human rights play in the pursuit of social justice?

A: Human rights play a crucial role in the pursuit of social justice by setting universal standards for the treatment of individuals, protecting fundamental freedoms, and advocating for equality, dignity, and non-discrimination for all members of society.

Q: Name one legislative measure aimed at promoting social justice in India.

A: The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is one legislative measure aimed at promoting social justice in India by preventing discrimination, atrocities, and violence against marginalized communities.

Q: How do legal reforms contribute to addressing social injustices?

A: Legal reforms contribute to addressing social injustices by amending laws, enacting new legislation, and strengthening legal frameworks to address systemic inequalities, protect rights, and ensure access to justice for marginalized groups and vulnerable individuals.

Q: What is the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in advocating for social justice?

A: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in advocating for social justice by raising awareness about issues of injustice, mobilizing public support, providing services and support to marginalized communities, and pressuring governments and institutions to address systemic inequalities and human rights violations.

Long Answer Questions:

Q: Discuss the significance of the Indian Constitution in promoting social justice.

A: The Indian Constitution is significant in promoting social justice as it enshrines principles of equality, justice, and rights protection. It provides for affirmative action measures, such as reservations for marginalized communities, and guarantees fundamental rights that protect individuals from discrimination and exploitation. Additionally, the Constitution establishes institutions like the judiciary to uphold these principles and ensure accountability and fairness in governance.

Q: Explain the concept of equality before law and its importance in a democratic society.

A: Equality before law means that all individuals are subject to the same laws and treated equally by the legal system, regardless of their social, economic, or political status. This principle ensures fairness, justice, and accountability in a democratic society by preventing discrimination, protecting individual rights, and promoting the rule of law.

Q: Discuss the role of legal aid in ensuring access to justice for marginalized communities.

A: Legal aid plays a crucial role in ensuring access to justice for marginalized communities by providing free or subsidized legal assistance to those who cannot afford legal representation. Legal aid organizations help individuals understand their rights, navigate the legal system, and seek redressal for grievances, thereby promoting equality, empowering marginalized groups, and advancing social justice.

Q: How can public interest litigation (PIL) contribute to social justice?

A: Public interest litigation (PIL) allows individuals or organizations to bring legal action on behalf of the public interest or to address issues of social justice, environmental protection, and human rights violations. PIL can help hold authorities accountable, challenge discriminatory laws and policies, and advocate for systemic reforms that promote equity, transparency, and accountability in governance. 

Q: Discuss the relationship between law and social change in promoting social justice.

A: The relationship between law and social change is intricate, with laws often reflecting and shaping societal norms, values, and aspirations. Legal reforms and judicial decisions can drive social change by addressing injustices, challenging discriminatory practices, and promoting equality and rights. Conversely, social movements and changes in public opinion can influence the creation and interpretation of laws, leading to shifts in legal frameworks that advance social justice objectives.

Q: Explain the concept of 'equal protection of the law' in promoting social justice.

A: The concept of 'equal protection of the law' ensures that all individuals are treated equally and fairly under the law, regardless of their background, identity, or status. It prohibits discrimination and ensures that government actions are guided by principles of justice, fairness, and non-discrimination, thereby promoting social justice and upholding the rights and dignity of all members of society.

Q: Discuss the role of affirmative action policies in addressing social injustices.

A: Affirmative action policies are designed to address historical injustices, systemic discrimination, and socio-economic disparities by providing preferential treatment or quotas to disadvantaged groups in education, employment, and other areas. These policies aim to promote equality of opportunity, empower marginalized communities, and foster inclusive development, thereby contributing to social justice and redressing historical imbalances.

Q: How can legal aid services contribute to ensuring access to justice for marginalized communities?

A: Legal aid services provide free or subsidized legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford legal representation, ensuring that marginalized communities have access to justice and legal recourse to protect their rights, seek redressal for grievances, and challenge injustices. Legal aid services promote equality before the law, empower marginalized individuals, and strengthen the rule of law, thus contributing to social justice and inclusion.

Q: Discuss the importance of legal literacy in promoting social justice.

A: Legal literacy is crucial in promoting social justice as it empowers individuals to understand their rights, navigate legal systems, and advocate for justice and accountability. Legal literacy enhances access to justice, fosters civic engagement, and enables individuals to challenge injustices, discrimination, and violations of rights effectively.

Q: Explain the concept of 'restorative justice' and its significance in addressing social harms.

A: Restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by wrongdoing, addressing the needs of victims, and facilitating the rehabilitation of offenders through dialogue, accountability, and community involvement. Restorative justice emphasizes healing, reconciliation, and addressing root causes of crime and injustice, making it a powerful tool for addressing social harms and promoting social justice.

Q: Discuss the role of social movements in shaping legal reforms and promoting social justice.

A: Social movements play a significant role in shaping legal reforms and promoting social justice by mobilizing collective action, raising awareness, advocating for policy change, and challenging entrenched power structures and inequalities. Social movements have been instrumental in advancing rights and freedoms, promoting equality, and driving transformative change through activism, advocacy, and grassroots organizing.