1. . Meaning of law :
INTRODUCTION: Legal meaning of law is that which regulates human conduct. In ancient times, there used to be natural laws from which the laws were incorporated into the present day Constitutions. Supreme Law is the highest law (Grundnorm in the words of Hans Kelson) from which subsidiary laws originate. Subsidiary Laws in order to be effective must be in accordance with the Grundnorm. Grundnorm in the Indian Context can be the Constitution of India.
MEANING: Law is the command of the sovereign to which the subject must have full respect and adherence. Laws are made in deference to the wishes of the people. Law enjoys a big controlling power on society. Law can also be an instrument of social change. Unregulated society will create lawlessness and chaos in the social structure. Absolute freedom results in anarchy. Just laws are tolerable by every society. Sometimes revolutions take place against the unjust laws. Laws must connote a universal cardinal to a decent human order and protected by constitutional armor.
CHNAGES BROUGHT BY LAW: Law in the past particularly the social laws have worked wonders. Some of the social legislations like Dowry Prohibition Act, Child Marriage Restraint Act have not been that effective due to lack of support from the people. Law can become a big mean to social change with the enactment and effective operations of the laws. Anti Smoking laws in public places have completely eradicated the smoking from public places in a short period which is a clear manifestation of the political will in law making & its enforcement. Equal property rights have been given to female members in the coparcenaries family with the male members who were hitherto unknown. Law can bring desired results by law making & its proper implantation.
CONCLUSION: Of late in Maneka Gandhi case, the Apex Court has given a different meaning to the concept of law. Law from them onwards means not only written law but also the laws by law by judicial interpretation. The Courts in India have played a big role in “Judicial law making “in independent history of free India. No one can be deprived of his life or liberty in India under Art. 21 of the Constitution except according to the procedure established by law. By procedure is meant the one which is reasonable. The procedure which is fantastic and oppressive or arbitrary in truth and reality is no procedure at all