Rules of Law in a Free Society

Indian democracy has long been the subject of admiration around the world. However it's only too apparent imperfections continue to be a source of acute concern to its own citizens, as well as to well wishers abroad. While clearly delineated institutions of democratic governance have been established under the Constitution of India, the rule of law appears not to have taken root in the country. Inefficiency, waste, corruption, and, more recently, terrorism pose seemingly insurmountable problems for the country's democratic structure. This unique collection provides an overview of the concept and relevance of rule of law today, the institutions charged with upholding it, and the threats before it. Some of India's most distinguished citizens, drawn from the legal profession, civil service, police, and academia directly address public disenchantment with the political system and offer perspectives on the challenges facing the country's constitutional institutions. Based on lectures organized by the Nehru Centre, Mumbai to reassess the rule of law experiment undertaken by the Indian republic, now sixty years old, this timely volume will interest everyone concerned about sustaining Indian democracy.