Meaning of Judicial Activism

Judicial activism refers to the proactive role taken by courts in interpreting the Constitution to address emerging societal issues and protect individual rights. Unlike a strict interpretation that limits the judiciary to reviewing laws for constitutional compliance, judicial activism embraces a broader mandate. Courts, in this approach, actively engage in shaping public policy by reading between the lines of legislative texts and filling gaps where the legislature or executive may have failed.

This dynamic role has led to significant interventions in areas such as environmental protection, corruption, and social justice. For instance, courts have taken decisive steps to safeguard natural resources and enforce the right to a clean environment, reflecting an activist stance. Judicial activism, therefore, is seen as a response to the shortcomings in other branches of government, ensuring that constitutional rights are not merely theoretical but effectively enforced.

Overall, judicial activism empowers the judiciary to act as a catalyst for social change, balancing state power with the need for accountability and justice.