Previous Year Question

The objective of economic justice is expressly embodied in both the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy. Therefore, option (b) is correct.

Economic justice in the Preamble

The Preamble resolves to secure three forms of justice for all citizens of India:

• Social justice;

• Economic justice;

• Political justice.

Economic justice broadly means establishing an economic system in which excessive economic inequality, exploitation and concentration of wealth are reduced and every person receives the opportunities and means necessary for a dignified life.

Economic justice in the Directive Principles

Part IV of the Constitution, containing Articles 36 to 51, lays down the Directive Principles of State Policy. Several of these provisions guide the State towards achieving economic justice.

Article 38 directs the State to establish a social order for the promotion of welfare in which social, economic and political justice informs all institutions of national life. It also directs the State to minimise inequalities in income, status, facilities and opportunities.

Article 39 directs the State to conduct its policy so that:

• Men and women equally have the right to adequate means of livelihood;

• Material resources of the community are distributed to best serve the common good;

• The economic system does not result in the harmful concentration of wealth and means of production;

• Men and women receive equal pay for equal work;

• The health and strength of workers are not abused;

• Children receive opportunities for healthy development and protection from exploitation.

Article 39A provides for equal justice and free legal aid. Article 41 directs the State, within its economic capacity, to make provisions concerning work, education and public assistance. Article 43 emphasises a living wage, a decent standard of life and social and cultural opportunities for workers.

Under Article 37, the Directive Principles are not directly enforceable by a court, but they are fundamental in the governance of the country, and the State must apply them while making laws.

Fundamental Rights do not state the objective of economic justice in these express terms. They provide judicially enforceable rights concerning equality, liberty and protection against exploitation. Although these rights contribute to economic justice, the constitutional objective of “economic justice” is expressly provided in the Preamble and the Directive Principles.