The Regulating Act of 1773 was a British parliamentary legislation that reformed the Indian administrative and judicial systems, establishing the Supreme Court in Calcutta, separating powers and codifying laws marking a significant milestone in Indian history.Here are some key aspects of its influence –

• The Regulating Act established the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Calcutta (now Kolkata) which was the first highest court of appeal in India. This marked the beginning of a formal western style judicial system in India.
• The Act introduced the concept of separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. This separation helped to establish the independence of the judiciary and ensured that it was not subject to the whims of the executive.
• The Regulating Act led to the codification of laws in India. The British government began to compile and codify Indian laws which helped to establish a uniform system of justice. This process ultimately resulted in the creation of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
• The Regulating Act paved the way for the expansion of the judicial system in India. As the British Empire expanded its territories in India, new courts and judicial institutions were established. This expansion helped to establish a more comprehensive and organized judicial system.
• The Regulating Act of 1773 played a significant role in shaping the Indian judiciary. Its legacy can be seen in the modern Indian judicial system which is based on the principles of independence, impartiality and separation of powers. The Act’s impact on the development of the Indian judiciary has been profound and lasting.

Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) are parliamentary committees comprising members from both Houses examining bills, budgets and policies related to specific ministries promoting informed decision making.DRSCs mitigate legislative complexities by providing in depth examination of bills, filling gaps left by limited parliamentary sittings (67 days/year).

Contributions of DRSCs – 

1. DRSCs work year round scrutinizing bills and policies in depth, conducting hearings and gathering expert input to ensure legislative quality and address time constraints during parliamentary sessions.
2. DRSCs engage domain experts and government officials through hearings, submissions and deliberations providing nuanced insights on complex issues like GST implementation informing informed policymaking.
3. Closed door meetings in Parliamentary Committees facilitate bipartisan discussions, encouraging depoliticized decision making. This fosters better legislative outcomes by reducing party biases ultimately strengthening democracy .
4. DRSCs review Demand for Grants, budget allocations and ministry expenditures scrutinizing detailed estimates to ensure fiscal prudence, transparency and accountability strengthening parliamentary oversight and governance.
5. DRSCs alleviate legislative complexities by providing meticulous scrutiny, filling gaps left by limited parliamentary sittings (67 days/year) ,ensuring informed decision making and robust governance.

Challenges and Scope for Improvement –

1. DRSCs face limitations including limited discussion of committee reports in Parliament hindering impact.
2. Proposed reforms include periodic DRSC reviews and increased parliamentary debate on recommendations for enhanced accountability .

DRSCs are vital to India’s democracy, enhancing legislative quality, accountability and efficiency by scrutinizing bills, policies and government actions.Strengthening DRSCs is crucial for a more vibrant parliamentary democracy.

Western legal principles refer to the concepts of rule of law, due process, individual rights, equality and justice, rooted in European and Anglo American legal traditions and philosophies since ancient times.The introduction of Western legal principles in India during the British colonial period had a significant impact on social reforms in the country. Some key influences include –

1. The British banned the practice of Sati (widow immolation) in 1829 citing Western legal principles of human rights and dignity.
2. The Hindu Widow’s Remarriage Act (1856) and the Hindu Succession Act (1956) were influenced by Western legal principles aiming to improve women’s rights and social status.
3. Western legal principles influenced the enactment of laws like the Untouchability Offences Act (1955), which aimed to eradicate caste based discrimination.
4. The introduction of Western legal principles led to reforms like the Indian Women’s Rights Act (1935) and the Hindu Marriage Act (1955) which improved women’s rights in marriage, inheritance and property.
5. Western legal principles influenced the development of modern Indian law, with the introduction of concepts like rule of law, due process and individual rights.

These reforms had a lasting impact on Indian society by shaping the country’s social, cultural and legal landscape.

A.V. Dicey defined the Rule of Law as a system where governance is based on law not arbitrary power. It ensures equality before law, supremacy of law and predominance of legal spirit.

Principles of Rule of Law –

1. Supremacy of Law ensures protection against arbitrary punishment and executive excesses always.
2. Equality before Law ensures all individuals regardless of status are subject to same laws.
3. Predominance of Legal Spirit ensures individual rights are protected and enforced by independent courts.

Reflection in the Indian Constitution – 

1. Article 13(1) enshrines Supremacy of Law declaring laws inconsistent with the Constitution invalid ensuring all actions conform to the supreme law.
2. Article 14 guarantees Equality before Law ensuring equal protection of laws, prohibiting discrimination and reinforcing equality for all citizens irrespective of status.
3. Article 32 empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs, providing Judicial Safeguards and remedies through habeas corpus, mandamus and other interventions to protect fundamental rights.

Significance of Rule of Law – 

1. Article 32 ensures justice and protects human rights by providing judicial remedies against violations and state excesses.
2. Article 32 safeguards judicial independence preventing misuse of power by ensuring impartial justice and protecting citizens rights.

The rule of law is the foundation of a just society, an essential feature of the Indian Constitution and upheld in landmark judgments ensuring equality, justice and protection of fundamental rights.

Mahatma Gandhi’s non violence philosophy inspired India’s independence movement and global civil rights movements. His peaceful protests and civil disobedience strategies achieved social change without harming others. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. adopted his methods promoting equality and justice worldwide.

Key principles of Gandhi’s philosophy –

1. Gandhi’s Ahimsa (non violence) inspired peaceful protests, civil disobedience and self sacrifice influencing India’s independence and global civil rights movements for equality.
2. Gandhi’s Satyagraha (truth force) inspired non violent resistance, mass protests and civil disobedience empowering India’s independence movement and global civil rights movements for equality and justice.
3. Gandhi’s Sarvodaya (universal uplift) emphasized the well being of all inspiring inclusive and equitable movements influencing India’s independence and global civil rights movements for social justice.
4. Gandhi’s Swaraj (self rule) emphasized self governance, autonomy and individual empowerment inspiring India’s independence movement and global civil rights movements to challenge oppressive systems.

Gandhiji’s philosophy of non violence, truth and self rule profoundly impacted India’s independence movement, inspiring mass participation and non cooperation. His ideals continue to influence global civil rights movements promoting peace, equality and justice.