Constitutional morality means the adherence to the norms of the Constitution
in a democracy. It is not just limited to following the constitutional
provisions in their literal sense, but includes a commitment to an inclusive and
democratic political process in which both individual and collective interests
of the society are satisfied. It requires a practical percolation of values like
sovereignty, social justice and equality in the realm of constitutional
adjudication.
While the term 'Constitutional Morality' is not found in Indian Constitution,
nevertheless it is rooted in various facets of the constitution.
Preamble:
Spells out values like justice, liberty, equality and fraternity to be the
foundation stones of our democracy.
Fundamental Rights:
Protects the rights of individuals against arbitrary use of power by the
State. Especially, Article 32 provides for enforcement of these rights in
SC.
Directive Principles:
Guidelines to the State to implement the vision of the makers of the
constitution. These include Gandhian, Socialist and Liberal-Intellectual
directions.
Fundamental Duties:
Citizens not only enjoy rights but have to fulfill certain duties towards
the nation.
Check and Balances:
like Legislative check on executive; judicial review of legislative and
executive actions etc.
Constitutional Morality as per various Supreme Court Judgements:
Government of NCT of Delhi Vs. Union of India:
All high functionaries need to follow constitutional morality and protect
the constitutional values spelt out by the Constitution. Constitutional
Morality acts as check on arbitrary use of power by high functionaries.
Navtej Singh Johar & Ors. Vs. Union of India:
Supreme Court opined that Section 377 violates the right of members of the
LQBTQI community on the bedrock of the principles enunciated in Articles 14,
19 and 21 of the Constitution [dignity of individuals]
Naz Foundation case,
the Supreme Court opined that only
Constitutional Morality and not Public Morality should prevail
Justice K.S. Puttaswamy & Anr. Vs. Union of India & Ors.:
SC upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar subject to certain
limitations. Constitutional Morality ensures courts must neutralize the
excesses of power by the executive and strike down any legislation or even
executive action if it is unconstitutional.
Indian Young Lawyer's Association v. State of Kerala [Sabrimala
Case]:
SC opined that constitutional morality which includes values like justice,
liberty, equality and fraternity ought to be preferred over customary
values, traditions and beliefs. It allowed the entry of women into sabrimala
temple irrespective of their ages. [fighting perception, stereotype and
prejudices]
Constitutional morality is crucial for constitutional laws to be effective.
Without constitutional morality, the operation of the constitution tends to
become arbitrary, erratic and capricious.
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