Law is the Backbone of Democracy, Protects Citizens’ Rights – Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh

*Officers and staff should be skilled in legislative drafting*

Chandigarh, September 27 – Haryana Governor, Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh said that law is the backbone of democracy, but its true strength lies in how clearly and effectively it is drafted. Legislative drafting is not merely about putting words on paper; it is about bringing justice to life, strengthening governance, and protecting citizens’ rights. A well-drafted law ensures clarity, consistency, and fairness, said the Governor while addressing as the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony of a two-day training programme on legislative drafting and capacity building, organized by the Haryana Legislative Assembly in collaboration with the Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies, Lok Sabha, at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Sector 26, Chandigarh on Saturday.

He said that legislative drafting is also a democratic responsibility. An elected representative (MLA) represents the will of the people, while the officers and staff involved in drafting legislation play a crucial role. Therefore, they must be skilled and proficient to ensure that the law serves as a bridge between political vision and practical governance. Their role requires not only legal expertise but also ethical sensitivity, ensuring that the language of the law embodies justice, equality, and constitutional values, said Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh.

The Governor emphasized that no matter how noble a policy’s objective is, its effectiveness depends on the law that implements it. Legislative drafting determines whether a policy promise will translate into real change on the ground, he said.

Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh further said that as a welfare state, its laws should also be designed for the well-being of people. For better legislative drafting, officers and staff must be proficient not only in language and law but also in economics, sociology, technology, and human behavior. Improving drafting quality in any country requires continuous training, study across disciplines, and adopting best practices, he said.

The Governor said that as we aspire to a society governed by justice and fairness, we must also invest in the art of drafting. The quality of our laws reflects the quality of our democracy. Clear drafting ensures clear justice, and clear justice builds a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive nation, he said.