Meaning, Features and Basic Postulates of

Justice
(15 Marks – Punjab University)

Introduction
Justice is one of the most important concepts in Political Science and is regarded as the
foundation of a good society. It aims at maintaining harmony, fairness, and equality among
individuals. Justice ensures that every individual receives what is due to him and that no one
is subjected to discrimination or exploitation.

According to Ernest Barker, justice is the soul of the state and the basis of social order.

Meaning of Justice
The word Justice has been derived from the Latin word “Jus”, which means right or law.

In simple words,

Justice means giving every individual his due and treating all persons fairly and
impartially.

Justice seeks to establish harmony between the rights and duties of individuals and promotes
social welfare.

Definitions of Justice
1. Salmond

“Justice means giving every man his due.”

Explanation

According to Salmond, justice requires that every person should receive what he deserves.

2. Barker

“Justice means the reconciliation of individual rights with the common good.”
Explanation

Justice aims at balancing individual interests with the welfare of society.

3. Plato

“Justice consists in everyone doing his own work and not interfering with the work of
others.”

Explanation

According to Plato, justice exists when each individual performs his duties properly.

Features (Characteristics) of Justice

1. Justice Implies Fairness
• Justice ensures fair treatment for all individuals.
• It opposes discrimination and favoritism.

2. Justice Means Giving Every Person His Due

• Every individual should receive what he deserves according to law and morality.

3. Justice Promotes Equality

• Justice ensures equality before law.
• It opposes special privileges and discrimination.

4. Justice Protects Rights

• Justice safeguards the rights and freedoms of individuals.
• It ensures that rights are respected by others.
5. Justice Maintains Social Order
• Justice prevents conflicts and promotes peace and stability.

6. Justice is Based on Impartiality

• Justice treats all persons equally without bias or prejudice.

7. Justice Balances Rights and Duties

• It establishes harmony between individual rights and social obligations.

8. Justice Promotes Social Welfare

• Justice seeks the welfare of both individuals and society as a whole.

9. Justice is Dynamic
• The concept of justice changes according to time, place, and social conditions.

Basic Postulates (Principles) of Justice

The following are the basic postulates or principles of justice:

1. Equality
• All individuals should be treated equally before the law.
• There should be no discrimination based on caste, religion, race, or sex.

Importance

Equality promotes fairness and social harmony.

2. Liberty
• Individuals should enjoy freedom necessary for the development of their personality.
• Liberty should be subject to reasonable restrictions.

Importance

Liberty ensures dignity and self-development.

3. Rule of Law
• No person is above the law.
• Laws should apply equally to all citizens.

Importance

It prevents arbitrary use of power.

4. Impartiality
• Decisions should be made without prejudice or favoritism.

Importance

Impartiality strengthens confidence in the legal and political system.

5. Protection of Rights
• Rights and freedoms of citizens must be protected.

Importance

Protection of rights is essential for justice and democracy.

6. Harmony Between Rights and Duties

• Rights should be accompanied by corresponding duties.

Importance
This promotes social order and responsible citizenship.

7. Social Welfare
• Justice should promote the common good and welfare of society.

Importance

It ensures balanced development and social peace.

8. Distribution According to Merit and Need

• Benefits and opportunities should be distributed fairly.
• Special attention should be given to weaker sections of society.

Importance

It reduces inequalities and promotes social justice.

Diagram Showing Basic Postulates of

Justice
JUSTICE
│
┌────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
Equality Liberty
Rule of Law Impartiality
Protection of Rights Rights and Duties
Social Welfare Distribution According
to Merit and Need

Importance of Justice
1. Maintains peace and social order.
2. Protects rights and freedoms.
3. Promotes equality and fairness.
4. Strengthens democracy.
5. Ensures social welfare.
6. Prevents exploitation and discrimination.
 7. Encourages national unity and development.

Social Justice: Meaning and How it can be

Secured
(15 Marks – Punjab University)

Introduction
Social justice is one of the fundamental ideals of a democratic and welfare state. It aims at
establishing a society based on equality, liberty, and fraternity. Social justice seeks to remove
social, economic, and political inequalities and ensures that every individual gets equal
opportunities for the development of his personality.

According to modern political thinkers, social justice is essential for maintaining peace,
harmony, and the welfare of society.

Meaning of Social Justice

Social justice means a social order in which all individuals enjoy equal rights, opportunities,
and privileges without discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, race, sex, or wealth.

In simple words,

Social justice means providing equal opportunities to all and eliminating social and
economic inequalities.

It aims at ensuring fair treatment and protecting weaker sections of society from exploitation.

Definitions of Social Justice

According to Barker,

“Justice means the reconciliation of individual rights with the common good.”

According to John Rawls,

“Justice is fairness.”
Explanation

Social justice seeks to create a fair and just social order where every individual gets his due
and enjoys equal opportunities.

Features of Social Justice

1. It promotes equality and fairness.
2. It opposes discrimination and exploitation.
3. It protects the rights of weaker sections.
4. It ensures equal opportunities for all.
5. It promotes social harmony and national unity.
6. It aims at the welfare of society.
7. It balances individual interests with social interests.

How Social Justice Can Be Secured

1. Equality Before Law
All citizens should be treated equally without discrimination.

Importance

• Prevents injustice.
• Promotes fairness.
• Strengthens democracy.

2. Protection of Fundamental Rights

Fundamental rights safeguard the dignity and freedom of individuals.

Importance

• Protects human rights.

• Prevents exploitation.
• Promotes equality.

3. Removal of Social Discrimination

Discrimination based on caste, religion, race, sex, or language should be abolished.

Importance

• Promotes social harmony.

• Strengthens national unity.
• Ensures equal status for all.

4. Economic Equality
Excessive inequalities of wealth should be reduced.

Measures

• Fair wages.
• Employment opportunities.
• Social security.
• Prevention of exploitation.

Importance

Economic equality makes freedom meaningful.

5. Educational Opportunities
Education should be available to all citizens.

Importance

• Creates awareness.
• Promotes personality development.
• Reduces social inequalities.

6. Democratic Government
Democracy provides equal political rights to all citizens.

Importance

• Ensures participation in government.

• Protects civil liberties.
• Promotes accountability.
7. Independent Judiciary
The judiciary acts as the guardian of justice and rights.

Importance

• Protects citizens against arbitrary actions.

• Ensures equal justice.
• Upholds constitutional values.

8. Rule of Law
No person should be above the law.

According to A.V. Dicey,

“No man is above the law.”

Importance

• Prevents misuse of power.

• Ensures equality before law.
• Protects individual rights.

9. Welfare State
A welfare state works for the welfare of all sections of society.

Measures

• Healthcare facilities.
• Social security schemes.
• Employment programmes.
• Poverty alleviation measures.

Importance

Promotes social and economic justice.

10. Protection of Weaker Sections
Special measures should be taken for:

• Women.
• Children.
• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• Minorities.
• Disabled persons.

Importance

Ensures inclusive development and equal opportunities.

11. Decentralization of Power

Power should be distributed among central, state, and local governments.

Importance

• Encourages people’s participation.

• Prevents concentration of power.
• Promotes social welfare.

12. Public Awareness and Education

Citizens should be aware of their rights and duties.

Importance

• Prevents exploitation.
• Strengthens democracy.
• Promotes responsible citizenship.

Importance of Social Justice

1. Promotes equality and fairness.
2. Protects human dignity.
3. Eliminates exploitation and discrimination.
4. Maintains social harmony.
5. Strengthens democracy.
 6. Promotes national integration.
7. Ensures the welfare of all citizens.

Conclusion
Social justice means establishing a fair and equitable social order in which every individual
enjoys equal rights and opportunities. It can be secured through equality before law,
protection of rights, economic equality, education, independent judiciary, rule of law, welfare
measures, and the removal of social discrimination. Thus, social justice is essential for the
success of democracy and the welfare of society.

Economic Justice and How It Can Be

Secured
(15 Marks – Punjab University)

Introduction
Economic justice is one of the essential elements of social justice and a welfare state. It aims
at creating an economic system in which wealth and resources are distributed fairly and every
individual gets equal opportunities for economic development. Economic justice seeks to
remove poverty, unemployment, and exploitation and to ensure a decent standard of living
for all citizens.

Meaning of Economic Justice

Economic justice means a fair distribution of wealth, income, and economic opportunities
among all members of society.

In simple words,

Economic justice means providing equal economic opportunities and protecting people
from poverty and exploitation.

It does not mean absolute equality of wealth but the reduction of excessive inequalities and
ensuring a decent standard of living for everyone.
Definitions of Economic Justice
According to Harold J. Laski,

“Political equality without economic equality is meaningless.”

According to John Rawls,

“Social and economic inequalities should be arranged so that they are to the greatest
benefit of the least advantaged.”

Explanation

Economic justice seeks to establish fairness in economic life and provide opportunities for all
individuals to develop their abilities.

Features (Characteristics) of Economic

Justice
1. Equal Economic Opportunities
Every individual should have equal opportunities for employment and economic
advancement.

2. Fair Distribution of Wealth

Excessive concentration of wealth in a few hands should be prevented.

3. Prevention of Exploitation
Workers and weaker sections should be protected against exploitation.

4. Right to Work
Every person should have opportunities to earn a livelihood.

5. Social Security
The state should provide security against unemployment, old age, sickness, and disability.

6. Fair Wages
Workers should receive fair wages according to their work.

7. Welfare of Society
Economic justice aims at promoting the welfare of all sections of society.

How Economic Justice Can Be Secured

1. Reduction of Economic Inequalities
The gap between rich and poor should be minimized.

Importance

• Promotes social harmony.

• Prevents exploitation.
• Strengthens democracy.

2. Equal Opportunities for Employment

Every citizen should have equal opportunities to obtain employment.

Importance

• Reduces poverty.
• Promotes economic development.
3. Fair Wages and Better Working Conditions
Workers should receive adequate wages and proper working conditions.

Importance

• Improves living standards.

• Protects labour rights.

4. Elimination of Poverty
The government should adopt policies for poverty eradication.

Measures

• Employment schemes.
• Welfare programmes.
• Rural development projects.

Importance

Promotes economic security and social welfare.

5. Social Security Measures

The state should provide:

• Old-age pensions.
• Unemployment benefits.
• Health insurance.
• Disability benefits.

Importance

Protects citizens from economic hardships.

6. Progressive Taxation
People with higher incomes should pay higher taxes.

Importance
 • Reduces inequalities.
• Helps in redistribution of wealth.

7. Land Reforms
Land should be distributed fairly and concentration of land ownership should be discouraged.

Importance

• Benefits farmers.
• Promotes rural development.

8. Protection Against Exploitation

The state should enact laws to protect workers and consumers.

Importance

• Prevents unfair practices.

• Ensures justice for weaker sections.

9. Development of Education
Education should be accessible to all.

Importance

• Increases employment opportunities.

• Promotes economic progress.

10. Welfare State

The state should actively promote the welfare of citizens.

Measures

• Healthcare facilities.
• Housing schemes.
• Subsidies and public assistance.
Importance

Ensures balanced economic development.

11. Industrial and Agricultural Development

Development of industries and agriculture creates employment and increases national
income.

Importance

• Reduces unemployment.
• Raises the standard of living.

12. Planned Economic Development

Economic planning helps in the proper utilization of resources and balanced growth.

Importance

• Promotes stability.
• Ensures equitable distribution of resources.

Importance of Economic Justice

1. Reduces poverty and unemployment.
2. Prevents exploitation.
3. Promotes social and political stability.
4. Strengthens democracy.
5. Improves living standards.
6. Promotes national development.
7. Ensures dignity and security for all citizens.

Political Justice and How It Can Be

Secured
(15 Marks – Punjab University)

Introduction
Political justice is one of the essential pillars of democracy. It implies that all citizens should
enjoy equal political rights and opportunities to participate in the affairs of the state. Political
justice ensures that no individual or group is discriminated against in political matters and
that every citizen has an equal voice in the government. It promotes democratic values,
equality, and responsible government.

Meaning of Political Justice

Political justice means providing equal political rights and opportunities to all citizens
without discrimination.

In simple words,

Political justice means equal participation of all citizens in the political process and
equal access to political rights.

It seeks to establish a political system based on liberty, equality, and democracy.

Definitions of Political Justice

According to Ernest Barker,

“Justice means the reconciliation of individual rights with the common good.”

According to John Rawls,

“Justice is fairness.”

Explanation

Political justice aims at ensuring fairness and equality in political life by granting equal rights
and opportunities to all citizens.

Features (Characteristics) of Political

Justice
1. Equality of Political Rights
All citizens should enjoy equal political rights.
Examples

• Right to vote.
• Right to contest elections.
• Right to hold public office.

2. Universal Adult Franchise

Every adult citizen should have the right to vote without discrimination based on caste,
religion, race, sex, or wealth.

3. Equality Before Law

All citizens should be treated equally before the law.

4. Freedom of Expression
Citizens should have the freedom to express their opinions and criticize the government.

5. Participation in Government
Political justice ensures active participation of citizens in political affairs.

6. Absence of Political Discrimination

No citizen should be denied political rights on the basis of caste, religion, sex, language, or
social status.

7. Democratic Government
Political justice flourishes under democratic institutions and responsible government.
How Political Justice Can Be Secured
1. Universal Adult Franchise
Every adult citizen should have the right to vote.

Importance

• Promotes equality.
• Strengthens democracy.
• Ensures people’s participation.

2. Free and Fair Elections

Elections should be conducted impartially and honestly.

Importance

• Prevents dictatorship.
• Ensures responsible government.
• Reflects the will of the people.

3. Protection of Fundamental Rights

Citizens should enjoy:

• Freedom of speech.
• Freedom of association.
• Freedom of religion.
• Freedom of movement.

Importance

Protects political freedom and democratic values.

4. Rule of Law
According to A.V. Dicey,

“No man is above the law.”

Importance

• Prevents arbitrary rule.

• Ensures equality before law.
• Protects political rights.

5. Independent Judiciary
The judiciary acts as the guardian of constitutional rights.

Importance

• Protects citizens from injustice.

• Safeguards political liberties.
• Maintains constitutional supremacy.

6. Democratic Government
A democratic government ensures equal participation of citizens.

Importance

• Promotes accountability.
• Protects civil and political rights.
• Encourages public participation.

7. Free Press and Independent Media

The press acts as the watchdog of democracy.

Importance

• Creates political awareness.

• Exposes corruption and misuse of power.
• Protects freedom of expression.

8. Political Education and Awareness

Citizens should be politically conscious and educated.
Importance

• Encourages responsible voting.

• Prevents exploitation.
• Strengthens democracy.

9. Multi-Party System
Political parties provide alternatives and encourage healthy competition.

Importance

• Promotes democratic governance.

• Prevents concentration of power.

10. Decentralization of Power

Power should be distributed among central, state, and local governments.

Importance

• Encourages people’s participation.

• Prevents authoritarianism.

11. Constitutional Safeguards

The constitution should guarantee political rights and freedoms.

Importance

• Protects citizens from arbitrary actions.

• Ensures constitutional government.

12. Strong Public Opinion

Public opinion acts as a check on the government.

Importance
 • Influences public policies.
• Prevents misuse of power.
• Protects democracy.

Importance of Political Justice

1. Strengthens democracy.
2. Ensures equal political rights.
3. Promotes responsible government.
4. Protects liberty and equality.
5. Encourages public participation.
6. Maintains political stability.
7. Promotes national unity and development.