Q6. (b) “राज्य अपने भूभाग पर अंतर्राष्ट्रीय विधि के नियमों को प्रभाव देने के लिए प्रक्रिया में पर्याप्त लचीलापन दर्शाते हैं ।" इस विषय पर संगत वादों का उद्धरण देते हुए भारत में अंतर्राष्ट्रीय विधि के मानकों की स्वीकार्यता की व्याख्या कीजिए । / "States show considerable flexibility in the procedures, whereby they give effect to the rules of the International Law, within their territory." Explain the acceptability of norms of International Law in India, citing relevant cases on the subject.
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Core Legal Answer & Context: India generally follows a dualist approach, meaning international law does not automatically become part of domestic law. It requires either transformation (enactment by Parliament) or incorporation (judicial application if not inconsistent with existing domestic law). However, Indian courts have demonstrated significant flexibility and a progressive stance, particularly concerning human rights. They often interpret domestic statutes in harmony with international obligations, even in the absence of specific enabling legislation, provided there is no direct conflict with existing municipal law. This judicial activism reflects the state's flexibility in giving effect to international norms within its territory.
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Relevant Statutes and Sections:
- Article 51(c) of the Indian Constitution: Directs the State to 'foster respect for international law and treaty obligations'.
- Article 253 of the Indian Constitution: Empowers Parliament to make laws for implementing any treaty, agreement, or convention with any other country or any decision made at any international conference, association, or other body.
- Important Landmark Cases:
- Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997): The Supreme Court, in the absence of specific domestic legislation, relied on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to formulate guidelines for preventing sexual harassment at the workplace, demonstrating direct incorporation of international norms.
- Jolly George Varghese v. Bank of Cochin (1980): The Supreme Court held that international covenants and declarations should be read into municipal laws unless they are inconsistent with existing statutes, emphasizing the judiciary's role in harmonizing domestic and international law.
- Clear Conclusion: India's approach to international law is a nuanced dualism, characterized by judicial willingness to incorporate and apply international norms, especially in human rights, to fill legislative gaps or interpret domestic law, thereby demonstrating considerable flexibility in fulfilling its international obligations within its sovereign legal framework.