NCERT Class 8 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-II: Chapter 4 — The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society
This chapter, 'The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society,' from NCERT's Class 8 Social Science book 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond Part-II,' delves into the crucial concept of justice. It highlights that injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The chapter emphasizes that justice is fundamental for societal peace, harmony, equality, and dignity. It introduces the judiciary as the institution responsible for fair dispute adjudication according to law, ensuring everyone is treated justly. The Preamble to the Constitution, promising social, economic, and political justice, is also discussed as the foundation for India's judicial system. This chapter helps students understand the judiciary's importance in a democratic society and its role in upholding justice for all citizens.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-II |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 194 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of justice and its importance in society.
- Recognize the role of the judiciary in ensuring fairness and equality.
- Learn about the Preamble's promise of justice.
- Identify the judiciary as an institution for dispute resolution.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Injustice | Lack of fairness or justice. |
| Justice | The quality of being fair and reasonable. |
| Harmonious | Forming a pleasing or consistent whole; free from disagreement. |
| Judiciary | The judicial body of a country; the system of courts and judges. |
| Adjudication | The process of making a formal judgment or decision about a problem or disputed matter. |
| Dispute resolution | The process of settling disagreements. |
| Preamble | An introductory statement in a document that explains its purpose and underlying philosophy. |
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Practice questions
- What does the quote 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere' imply? Answer: It implies that a lack of justice in one place can endanger justice for everyone, highlighting the interconnectedness of justice.
- Why is justice essential for a society? Answer: Justice is essential for maintaining peace, harmony, equality, and dignity among individuals in a society.
- What is the role of the judiciary? Answer: The judiciary ensures fair adjudication of disputes according to law and treats everyone justly and with fairness.
- What kind of justice does the Preamble to the Constitution promise? Answer: The Preamble promises all Indian citizens social, economic, and political justice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main role of the judiciary in India?
The judiciary's main role is to ensure fair adjudication of disputes according to law and uphold justice for all citizens.
What does the Preamble of the Indian Constitution promise regarding justice?
The Preamble promises social, economic, and political justice to all citizens of India.
Why is justice important for a society?
Justice is crucial for maintaining peace, harmony, equality, and dignity within a society.
What does the chapter suggest about injustice?
The chapter suggests that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, emphasizing its universal importance.
What are the 'Big Questions' at the start of the chapter?
The Big Questions are about the concept of justice, its importance, the structure and role of the judiciary, and alternative dispute resolution modes.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-II — Chapter 4 — The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.