To safeguard individuals from exploitation, the government enacts laws aimed at minimizing unfair practices within markets. Many of these laws are rooted in the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution. For instance, the Right against Exploitation prohibits forced labor or employment of children below the age of 14 in hazardous occupations.

How effectively do these laws translate into action? To what extent do they address issues of social justice? Answers to such inquiries can be found in CBSE Notes Class 8 Civics Chapter 8 – Law and Social Justice. Delve into this chapter to gain insights into these aspects.

Chapter 8: Law and Social Justice| Class 8 Civics Notes

Introduction

As per legislation on minimum wages, employers are obligated to remunerate workers at least the minimum wage. Additional laws safeguard the interests of both producers and consumers within the market, ensuring that the interactions among workers, consumers, and producers are equitable and devoid of exploitation.

Through the formulation, implementation, and enforcement of laws, the government exercises control over the actions of individuals or private entities to uphold principles of social justice.

What is a Worker’s Worth?

In India, due to high levels of unemployment, workers often find themselves easily replaceable. Many individuals are willing to endure unsafe working conditions in exchange for wages, a situation exacerbated by frequent accidents reported in construction sites, mines, and factories, often attributable to employers’ neglect.

A worker’s value is based upon the perceived worth within the industry or sector in which they are employed.

Enforcement of Safety Laws

Safety regulations should be enforced by the government, ensuring compliance with laws that uphold the Right to Life as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy serves as a stark illustration of governmental negligence, leading to a catastrophic disaster.

• Government authorities failed to acknowledge the hazardous nature of the plant, allowing its establishment in a densely populated area.
• Additionally, no measures were taken to compel Union Carbide to adopt cleaner technologies or safer practices.
• Despite repeated leaks from the plant, government inspectors continued to sanction its operations, disregarding evident signs of imminent danger.

In this instance, both governmental bodies and private corporations demonstrated a blatant disregard for safety protocols.

New Laws to Protect the Environment

New legislation aimed at safeguarding the environment was enacted following the Bhopal disaster, highlighting the urgent need to address environmental concerns. Previously, the environment was largely unregulated, allowing industries to freely pollute the air and water without consequences.

The Fundamental Right to Life enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right to access pollution-free air and water for a whol esome life. Judicial rulings have reinforced the notion that a healthy environment is intrinsic to this fundamental right.

To fulfill this responsibility, the government has established laws and protocols to mitigate pollution, restore river health, and impose hefty penalties on polluters.

The government plays a pivotal role in regulating private sector activities through the formulation, enforcement, and preservation of laws to prevent unfair practices and uphold principles of social justice.

Weak and poorly enforced legislation can have grave consequences, as evidenced by the Bhopal gas tragedy. Beyond governmental actions, societal pressure is essential to ensure both private companies and the government act in the best interests of the community.

Chapter 8: Law and Social Justice- FAQs

What are some key obligations for employers under minimum wage legislation?

Minimum wage legislation requires employers to ensure that workers are paid at least the minimum wage set by the government. This ensures that workers receive fair compensation for their labor and helps prevent exploitation in the workforce.

How do laws in the market protect the interests of workers, consumers, and producers?

Market laws regulate various aspects of transactions to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation. For example, consumer protection laws safeguard consumers from fraudulent practices, labor laws protect workers’ rights, and business regulations ensure fair competition among producers.

How is a worker’s value determined in the Indian context?

In India, a worker’s value is often influenced by factors such as their skill level, demand for labor in their industry or sector, prevailing market conditions, and the level of competition for available jobs.

What role does the government play in enforcing safety laws, especially after incidents like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy?

The government is responsible for enforcing safety laws to protect workers and the public from hazardous conditions. This includes implementing safety standards in workplaces, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with regulations to uphold the Right to Life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

What measures were taken by the government following the Bhopal disaster to protect the environment?

In response to the Bhopal disaster, the government enacted new legislation aimed at safeguarding the environment. These laws regulate industrial activities to prevent pollution of air and water resources, ensuring access to pollution-free air and water, which are fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. Additionally, the government has established protocols for pollution control and imposed penalties on polluters to mitigate environmental damage.