Why Rights Without Duties Weaken Public Justice
By Advocate Peesh Chopra Public justice is often discussed in the language of rights. Citizens are encouraged to assert their freedoms, demand accountability, and protect their legal entitlements. While rights are essential in any democratic society, public justice cannot survive if rights are separated from duties. A society that emphasizes rights but neglects responsibilities gradually weakens the moral structure that sustains justice. Public justice is not merely about claiming what one deserves; it is also about contributing to a fair and orderly social environment. The Balance Between Rights and Duties Every right carries a corresponding duty. The right to free expression requires a duty to avoid harm. The right to equality implies a duty to respect others’ dignity. The right to legal protection presupposes a duty to act within the boundaries of fairness. When this balance is maintained, justice becomes cooperative rather than confrontational. When it is ignored, public disco...