What is the mission of Centre for Justice?
The mission of Centre for Justice is to defend rule of law, promote competition and secure personal freedom through research, advocacy and litigation. The Centre’s research initiatives, which will supplement the advocacy and litigation efforts, will generally be in the nature of data based studies that highlight the harmful consequences of laws, judgments and policies that undermine liberty and rule of law.
What are the causes that the Centre champions ?
Rule of law, Competition and Personal freedom.
- Rule of law – Rule of law is the bedrock of a democratic society. Without it, there is no real freedom. Even though guaranteed as a fundamental right by the Constitution of India, rule of law in the country has been subverted by excessive regulation, cronyism and unimaginative public policies.
- Competition – Competition forces innovation and continuous improvement. It assures choice to consumers and rewards the businessman. It is the only fair means of giving opportunity to those who are skilled, knowledgeable and hardworking to benefit the society while benefiting themselves in the form of profit.
- Personal freedom – Essential for survival, freedom to think and act as one pleases without encroaching on the same freedom of others is the birthright of every human being. Without personal freedom, any other freedom is meaningless. For citizens of a democratic nation, it is guaranteed by law. But mostly not fully. Often, the common man’s personal freedom is subdued by those who hold political power, corrupt authorities and sometimes by law itself
Why have you chosen these three causes ?
These three causes are the pillars of a just society. Without them, neither peace nor prosperity can be achieved by any society.
What if a law itself is unjust ? Would it still make sense to fight for rule of law ?
While it is important that the law prevails over conceit that would hurt other’s freedom, an unjust law is anathema to the concept of rule of law. Rule of law is based on principles of natural justice. Principles of natural justice are for fairness and against arbitrariness. Therefore, when a law is unjust, fighting for the repeal of that law would be defending rule of law.
Your current research is on safety against sexual assault. How is it related to the causes you champion ?
- If a person, woman or child or man, cannot walk freely on a road whether it is 2 in the afternoon or 2 in the morning, it is evidence of absence of rule of law.
- Article 21 of the constitution of India guarantees the fundamental right to life to all persons without discrimination. It is settled law now that right to life is in fact right to life with dignity.
Therefore the failure to provide a safe environment is in effect failure to uphold rule of law and denying citizens a fundamental right guaranteed the constitution.
Who would benefit from your research ?
All stake holders- citizens, policy makers, academics and researchers, students, civil society activists and anybody else who is interested.
How is Centre for Justice different from a law firm ?
Centre for Justice is a law centre. We focus on legal research and advocacy. When we take up litigation, it will be non-profit and to promote our causes.