RULE OF LAW AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE INDIA

Abstract

The principle of Rule of Law serves as the bedrock of India's constitutional democracy, ensuring accountability, equality, and justice in governance. This study critically examines the interface between Rule of Law and Good Governance in contemporary India, analyzing constitutional mandates, institutional frameworks, and ground-level implementation challenges. The paper explores key dimensions including judicial independence, administrative transparency, citizen-centric service delivery, and anti-corruption mechanisms, while assessing systemic gaps that hinder effective governance. Through case studies of landmark judicial interventions (e.g., Vineet Narain case mandating CBI autonomy), legislative reforms (Right to Information Act, 2005), and digital governance initiatives (e-governance platforms), the study evaluates India's progress in institutionalizing Rule of Law principles. It also highlights persistent challenges - delayed justice, bureaucratic inefficiency, political interference, and weak last-mile implementation - that undermine governance outcomes. The findings reveal that while India has robust legal-institutional architecture for Good Governance, its effectiveness varies across sectors and regions due to structural and cultural constraints. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen transparency mechanisms, judicial capacity, citizen participation, and ethical governance to realize the constitutional vision of Rule of Law in letter and spirit.