Context:

Judiciary cannot be controlled, directly or indirectly, by the legislature or the executive, or else the ‘rule of law’ would become illusory, Chief Justice of India N V Ramana asserted. At the same time cautioned judges against being swayed by social media.

Rule of law in India

• The concept of Rule of law is of old origin and is an ancient ideal.
• It was discussed by ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle around 350 BC. 
• The phrase ‘Rule of Law’ is derived from the French phrase ‘la Principe de legality (the principle of legality) which refers to a government based on principles of law and not of men.
• In India, the concept of Rule of law can be traced back to the Upanishads. Even today, the scheme of the Indian Constitution is based upon the concept of rule of law.
• The doctrine of Rule of Law as enunciated by Dicey has been adopted and very succinctly incorporated in the Indian Constitution.
• The ideals of the Constitution are enshrined in the Preamble itself (which is part of the Constitution)-
  • Justice
  • liberty
  • Equality
• The Constitution of India has been made the supreme law of the country and other laws are required to be in conformity with it.
• Any law which is found in violation of any provision of the Constitution, particularly, the fundamental rights, is declared void.
• Rule of law in plain language can be defined as a situation in which the law of the land is superior to the government ruling the land.