"Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike… ." In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.

Theme

T84 Constitutional morality

What UPSC asks in this theme

UPSC asks the meaning of constitutional morality, its judicial application, and its role in balancing judicial independence and accountability.

What to cover

• Origin: Grote, Ambedkar's use in the Constituent Assembly
• Cases: Manoj Narula, NCT of Delhi 2018, Navtej Johar, Sabarimala
• Critique: vague, judges' subjective morality
• Application to judicial accountability

Writing the answer

• Define, cite cases, give critique

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 2 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.