In Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court held that Constitutional Morality must prevail over social morality when the two conflict in matters affecting fundamental rights.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Constitutional vs social morality distinction: (a) Navtej Singh Johar (2018): SC held Constitutional Morality (constitutional values) prevails over social morality (majoritarian views) when they conflict, (b) Application: Decriminalizing homosexuality despite social opposition because Articles 14, 15, 19, 21 protect individual dignity and autonomy, (c) Rationale: Constitution protects minorities and individuals against majoritarian impulses; democratic legitimacy requires respecting constitutional limits, not just popular will, (d) Other applications: Shayara Bano (triple talaq), Puttaswamy (privacy) affirm constitutional values over traditional practices violating fundamental rights. Illustrates transformative constitutionalism: using Constitution as tool for social justice, not just reflecting existing social norms.