GK Question

polity hard true_false

Constitutional Morality serves as a check on majoritarian democracy by ensuring that laws supported by electoral majority must still comply with fundamental rights and constitutional values protecting minorities and individuals.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Constitutional Morality vs majoritarianism: (a) Democracy: Rule by majority through elected representatives, (b) Constitutional Morality: Limits majority power to protect minority rights, individual dignity, rule of law, (c) Examples: (i) SC striking down Section 377 despite public opposition (Navtej Singh Johar), (ii) Upholding reservation policies despite 'merit' arguments (Indra Sawhney), (iii) Protecting religious minorities' rights (SR Bommai), (d) Rationale: Prevents 'tyranny of majority'; ensures democracy is substantive (protecting all citizens) not merely procedural (majority rule). Foundation of Indian constitutional democracy: popular sovereignty constrained by constitutional values.

Topic Constitutional Morality - Majoritarianism Check
Exam Relevance Democracy vs constitutionalism balance question critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams