Human Duties as the Foundation of Human Rights: Learning Perspectives from Dharma and Justice in Indian Context

Abstract In the Indian context, it is believed that human rights have evolved from human duties. The present research paper investigates into the nuances of dharma and justice in Indian traditions tracing from ancient times to modern contexts. The concept of human rights has travelled a long voyage to get the legal and social recognition as we see them in the present day. Human beings have been subjected to numerous civil and criminal wrongs in the past, present and modern times. The people only think of protecting their own rights forgetting that the rights cannot be secured without fulfilling their duties. Justice is ensured against all the wrongs, unjustness, or unreasonable actions of one against another. When the wrongs, rights, dharma, or justice have been interpreted by the courts taking different factors and circumstances into consideration, the justice is said to be established. The paper also throws light on the recognition of rights and duties of human beings as well as of state or governing bodies in the establishment of dharma and justice. In the end, the paper discusses the various case laws reflecting the establishment of dharma and justice for the rightful beneficiaries.