CAPF AC 2020 Q72: Indian Polity – Political Theory & Concepts
The idea of social justice requires that
1. equal treatment be supplemented with principle of proportionality
2. due and equal consideration is given to all individuals
3. equality of treatment be transcended to recognise special needs
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 only
- (d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Three principles of social justice
How to think: NCERT gives three principles of justice.
Match each statement with one of them.
All three statements find a match.
| Statement | NCERT principle | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 2. Due and equal consideration is given to all individuals | Equal treatment for equals | Correct |
| 1. Equal treatment be supplemented with principle of proportionality | Proportionate justice: reward in proportion to effort and skill | Correct |
| 3. Equality of treatment be transcended to recognise special needs | Recognition of special needs | Correct |
Examples:
| Principle | Example |
|---|---|
| Equal treatment | Equal pay for equal work; equal right to vote |
| Proportionality | A miner and a clerk paid differently for different effort and risk |
| Special needs | Reservations; ramps for persons with disabilities |
These three must be balanced with one another to reach a just society.
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. All three are principles of social justice: equal treatment, proportionality, special needs.
- (b) Incorrect. This leaves out statement 2, the basic principle of equal consideration.
- (c) Incorrect. Equal consideration alone is not enough; proportionality and special needs are also required.
- (d) Incorrect. This leaves out statement 1 on proportionality, which NCERT lists as a principle.
Key point
Social justice (NCERT): equal treatment for equals + proportionate justice + recognition of special needs, balanced together. John Rawls: justice as fairness, veil of ignorance.
Remember
Justice = equal treatment + proportionality + special needs.
Common mistakes
- Thinking justice means treating everyone exactly the same in every case.
- Dropping proportionality, as if rewards for effort were against equality.
- Seeing special treatment for the disadvantaged as a breach of justice.
Exam tip
Three statements, three NCERT principles. When each one maps to a textbook heading, all are right.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Political Science — Political Theory (Social Justice)
- John Rawls — A Theory of Justice (Harvard University Press, 1971)