Laws, Rules, Regulations & Conscience

Model Answer

Moral conscience is an individual’s internal sense of right and wrong, which often guides ethical decision-making. It typically complements laws, rules, and regulations, though there are situations where they might diverge.

When Moral Conscience Complements Laws

1. Shared Universal Values: When laws reflect society’s moral values, they complement each other. For example, child labour laws prohibit the exploitation of children, aligning with the collective moral belief that children deserve to grow in safe, nurturing environments.
2. Fundamental Human Rights: Laws protecting fundamental human rights, such as the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, stem from universal moral principles. They safeguard rights related to life, liberty, and equality, reinforcing societal moral standards.
3. Legal Amendments Driven by Conscience: Moral conscience can drive legal reforms, such as the introduction of universal adult franchise in India post-independence. The law was influenced by the moral belief in equality and the right of every adult to vote.
4. Encouraging Ethical Compliance: Personal accountability, driven by conscience, encourages adherence to laws, as seen with IAS officer Asheesh Singh, who led an effort to clear 13 lakh metric tons of garbage in Indore, helping the city achieve the top rank in the Swachh Survekshan survey.

When Moral Conscience Conflicts with Laws

1. Unjust Laws: Laws that are inherently unjust often conflict with moral conscience. A key example is Mahatma Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement, where he called for breaking the Salt Law, which he viewed as immoral.
2. Laws Against the Public Good: Sometimes laws may be legal but morally questionable. Edward Snowden’s whistleblowing against government surveillance programs broke confidentiality laws, yet it was seen as morally justified for the public good.
3. Evolving Morality: As societal values evolve, so does the moral conscience. For instance, Section 377, once seen as morally right, was eventually struck down by the Indian Supreme Court, reflecting the changing moral attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights.

Conclusion

While laws generally reflect moral conscience, there are situations where the two diverge, often when laws are outdated or unjust. A balanced approach, integrating moral conscience with legal frameworks, is crucial to fostering a just and responsible society.