Recent Developments in Indian Constitutional Law

Abstract

We live in an age where the world is in turmoil, where revolutions go by the names of flowers, and where there is more public pressure for accountability on the organs of government than ever before. This is a time when many of us are called upon to take a stand and challenge the status quo, to fight against corruption and against the many problems that face this nation. The expansive interpretation of fundamental rights resulting in the reinterpretation of the Right to Life as a right including the Right to a life with dignity, and the right to a clean environment has for instance resulted in a tangible increase in the use of PIL's as a weapon for social change, against Government abuse of power, which in earlier times would have to be combated with Strike's and other disruptive action. While it is accepted that change is necessary, it is the means that need to be used in bringing about this change that has again become the subject matter of debate. This article seeks to explore Constitutional means of bringing about change, and also highlights recent progressive judicial decisions in this light.