Do you agree that sometimes rules and laws become basis for moral corruption in society?
Approach
· Discuss law as a tool for social order
· Reason for not internalization of law
· Suggestion to resolve this
· Conclude with acceptability rather than enforceability.
Answer
Laws and rules are important in any society to maintain social justice and order. They act as guidance for ethical conduct of people in society. However, too much dependence on laws and rules leads to moral corruption among the people. A person tends to give excuses by pointing towards provisions of rules and laws which are too old and does not comply with present social norms.
Factors responsible for practice following law only to avoid punishment & not the rationale behind law:
Inherent selfish nature of man leads to moral corruption. ‘Man is selfish by nature’-Thomas Hobbes.
Impact of crony capitalism, money driven society, commercialization and materialism in the society.
Weak enforcement of probity in public life.
Lack of strong character in people.
Too many old and rigid laws also provide ground to misuse of laws by the people in society.
Colonial hangover, May-Baap culture. (2nd ARC)
Centralization of power in the administration. (2nd ARC)
Suggestions:
Imbibe values in people for building character as self-check on their behavior.
Changes in the laws and rules as per changing social norms and values of upcoming generations.
Improving Checks and balances in the society through strengthening of social institutions.
Promoting Ethical ecosystem or Ethical infrastructure which requires minimum standards of conduct from everyone in the society.
Many conducts can be only considered as desirable as they may not be enforced by laws and rules. However, it is difficult to control the behavior of every person in society even when laws are enacted.