Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which needed his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group, was a matter of grave concern. Unemployment was relatively high in the state, especially among graduates and those with higher education, making them vulnerable and soft targets. Intelligence inputs suggested that a new global terrorist group had launched a drive to recruit such youth through social-media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, spreading secessionist ideology and extremist propaganda. The need of the hour is to act swiftly before the situation assumes serious proportions.

### As Heraclitus said,“The only constant in life is change.”Justice, at its core, is a fluid concept, shaped by evolving social norms, legal systems, and cultural values. Therefore, justice must be continuously re-examined to ensure it remains fair and relevant to current circumstances.

## Contextual Nature of Justice and Need for scrutiny

• Changing Social Norms:Eg:Slaverywas considered legal centuries ago, but today, it’s universally condemned. Similarly,Same-sex marriageis legalized in many regions after social advocacy.


• Legal Reforms: Eg- TheSC’s judgment in the Navtej Singh Johar case (2018)decriminalized homosexuality orTriple Talaq judgment (2017)


• Technological Changes: New emerging form of justice like Right to Privacy, Right to be Forgotten etc. Eg-Eg:AI ethics and regulations


• Economic Shifts:Eg: Feudal land ownership systemswere once considered just in many societies but are now seen as perpetuatinginequality, leading to land reforms.


• Cultural Movements: raise awareness of injustices previously accepted.Eg: The#MeToo movementredefined acceptable workplace behavior, pushing for more accountability.


• Changing Political Structures–Eg: Colonialismwas once justified by many Western powers as a means of“civilizing”other societies, but today, it is widely viewed as an injustice that led to the exploitation and oppression of people.

## Universality of Justice

• Moral Absolutes: Some principles of justice remain constant, regardless of context.Eg:Murderis universally considered a crime, regardless of the time period.


• Natural Rights: Certain human rights, like the right to life and liberty, are universal and timeless.Eg:Freedom from slaveryis a universally accepted standard.


• Global Ethical Standards: Ethical principles such as fairness and equality transcend time and culture.Eg:Equality before the lawremains a cornerstone of justice systems globally.

## Way Forward for Adapting Justice to Changing Contexts

• Constant Review of Laws: Eg.Repealing old laws, new criminal codes, labor codes are right steps in this regard.


• Judicial Flexibility:Courts should interpret laws with a context-sensitive approach rather than rigidly applying outdated precedents.Eg: S.C. verdict on the right to privacy


• Ethical Oversight: Eg:The formation ofethics boards in scientific researchensures that advancements in areas likegenetics or AIdo not violate principles of justice.

By balancing evolving societal norms with universal ethical principles, we ensure a fair and equitable justice system for all. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said,“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

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