What holds a constitutional democracy together when society itself is divided?
In recent years, the idea of constitutional morality has emerged as one of the most powerful—and contested—concepts in Indian constitutional law. Invoked by courts to defend dignity, liberty, and minority rights, it has also sparked a deeper question: Is the Constitution merely a legal text, or a moral promise?
This book traces the historical evolution of constitutional morality, from its Western intellectual roots to its transformative articulation in Ambedkar’s constitutional vision. It explores the tension between constitutional values and popular morality, between democracy and majoritarianism, and between social tradition and individual freedom.
Can constitutional morality restrain power in an age of polarisation?
Can it protect dissent when public sentiment demands conformity?
And what does it truly mean to be faithful to the Constitution?
A timely and compelling work, this book offers an essential guide to the moral foundations of India’s constitutional democracy.