Rule Of Law: Tracing India's Journey From Ancient To Modern System Of Governance
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 19
- 1 min read
Dr. Gayatri N M, Assistant Professor, CMR University School of Legal Studies
Chanchal Dagur, CMR University School of Legal Studies
ABSTRACT
The "Rule of Law" idea has been a bedrock of Indian governance, dating back to ancient times and developing over successive periods of history into the contemporary constitutional dispensation. The paper traces India's distinctive experience, starting with ancient legal culture based on Dharma, Smritis, and customary law, focusing on justice, equity, and accountability. It analyzes how these native principles set the ground ethos for government, affecting the rule of kings and local communities as well. With the establishment of colonial rule, the British brought a more formalized and codified legal system, greatly transforming India's governance framework while also infusing the Western concept of the Rule of Law. After independence, India's Constitution came as a contemporary affirmation of this time-tested principle, strongly affirming the supremacy of law, equality before the law, and safeguarding of fundamental rights. Tracing this path from ancient jurisprudence to modern legal standards, the paper shows how India's experience exhibits continuity and change, giving rise to a dynamic and adaptive framework of governance under the Rule of Law. The research also examines critically the difficulty of achieving fully this principle in practice and mentions the efforts currently being made to harmonize classical values with contemporary democratic ideals.
