• Dr. S. James
• Prof.(Dr.) Harikumar Prallathadka

Law is an important mechanism for regulating society. It also brings about amazing social change. India is a country of contradictions. Lavish buildings exist alongside slums and even the most advanced cities in our country have problems such as rising crime rates and poverty. In such a situation, law can definitely be an instrument of social change. Landmark legislations worldwide which have been effectively implemented ensure that social change becomes a reality. Law regulates the safety and security of people. It is the cornerstone of the edifice of social change. Law can make a huge difference to the social order. Criminal activities will lessen if murderers and wrongdoers are given stringent punishment. The recent stay on the execution of two rapists and murderers in the Nirbhaya case by the apex court is a grave miscarriage of justice. Such decisions can impact law and order in society. If the judiciary does not uphold the sentences, a message will be sent to potential criminals that they can escape punishment after committing heinous acts. Law makers are responsible for the welfare of 1.2 billion Indians. They should weigh decisions carefully and use legal mechanisms to bring social change instead of committing injustice.1 Lawlessness can harm society in significant ways. If proper laws are not in place, women and poor people will continue to be exploited and abused. Stronger laws are needed to bring about positive social change. Noted legal experts such as Justice Bhagwati have discussed how law should not fail to respond to the needs of a changing society. If it does so, he has indicated that it can stifle the growth of society and block its progress. Unless there is safety and security, and laws are being framed to bring about a stable economic and social environment, investors and funders will continue to doubt the possibility of India ever acquiring a superpower status.

Contradictions, slums, edifice, wrongdoers, social change, stable, status.

"LAW AS AN INSTRUMENT OF SOCIAL CHANGE", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 2, page no.c613-c623, February-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2502272.pdf

"LAW AS AN INSTRUMENT OF SOCIAL CHANGE", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 2, page no. ppc613-c623, February-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2502272.pdf