QUESTION 4(a)
GS4
10 marks
Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Distinguish laws from rules and discuss how ethics should guide making them.
Distinguish + DiscussBring out the differences clearly, point by point. Explain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Laws: made by legislature, general, enforceable by courts, binding on all≈30 words
- 2Rules: made by the executive under a law (delegated legislation) or by organisations; detailed and procedural≈30 words
- 3Ethics in making them: justice, fairness, public consultation, proportionality, protection of the weak≈30 words
- 4Examples: Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy 2014≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Difference tableRole of ethicsExamplesConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Using laws and rules as synonyms
- No ethics
Draw this
- Table: laws vs rules by maker, scope, source of power, enforcement, example
Value addition
- PolicyThe Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy (2014) requires draft bills to be published for 30 days of public comment.Ministry of Law and Justice
- CaseIndian Express Newspapers v Union (1985): delegated legislation can be struck down if it is unreasonable or violates rights.Supreme Court
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Rishabh Yadav · Page 23 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Tushar Chauhan · Page 23 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Yarasi Tusharika · Page 23 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Vidushi Singh · AIR 13 · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.