JOHN RAWLS

• • “Justice is the first virtue of social institutions.”
  • “The principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance.”
  • “Inequalities are acceptable only if they benefit the least advantaged.”

About the theory of justice

Theory of Justice was published in 1971 was a landmark development in promotion of philosophy of justice for all. ‘Justice as fairness’ remains the main essence of the theory.

The two principles:

Equality principle: All individuals are entitled for equality, liberty and freedom, which is the most important principle for establishing a just society.

Differential principle: The second principle is differential principle. It means social and economic resources, activities and affairs should be conducted in such a fashion that it is to everyone’s advantage that no one is at a disadvantage, especially vulnerable sections of the society.

Social justice refers to a political and philosophical theory that focuses on the concept of fairness in relations between individuals in society and equal access to wealth, opportunities, and social privileges.

In the Indian context, social justice can be linked to

1. The preamble: Justice-social, economic and political

2. The FRs: Article 15/16/17

3. The DPSP: Envisages for a welfare state.

John Rawls’s concept of social justice which was propounded in 1971 had a great level of influence on governments during 1970s and after. In India, Garibi Hatao/ 20-point program and then ICDS, PDS, MDM, MGNREGA, FRA, RTE, etc. can be linked to social justice initiatives. India also has a ministry of social justice.

Social justice now has become among the most important objective of measurement of justice and fairness in society. It is linked to dignified life of people. Even in the All-India Services Conduct (Amendment) Rules 2014, social justice has been mentioned as one civil service value.

Social justice is linked to justice or a dignified life for the most vulnerable which John Rawls was concerned. It is decided by adhering to ‘veil of ignorance’, ‘reflective equilibrium’ and original point. Like, under article 14, intelligible differentia and under article 21-right to life means right to live with dignity (Olga Tellis case).