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Does International Law automatically become part of Indian law?

19-May-2025
International Law

Answer By law4u team

No, international law does not automatically become a part of Indian law. For international law to have effect in India, it must be incorporated into domestic law through the process of legislation or judicial recognition. Here's how international law interacts with Indian law: 1. Monism vs Dualism: - Monism suggests that international law and domestic law form a unified system, meaning international law automatically becomes part of domestic law. - Dualism, which is followed by India, maintains that international law and domestic law are separate systems. International law does not automatically become part of Indian law unless the Indian Parliament enacts laws to implement the provisions of international agreements. 2. Article 51 of the Indian Constitution: - Article 51(c) of the Constitution of India directs the state to "endeavor to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations." While this provision indicates that India should respect international law, it does not automatically incorporate international treaties into Indian law. 3. Treaties and International Agreements: - When India enters into an international treaty or agreement, such a treaty does not have the force of law in India unless the Indian Parliament passes a law to implement its provisions. The Treaty or Agreement alone does not automatically become enforceable. - For example, if India signs an international treaty, it must pass domestic legislation to make it effective within the country. 4. Judicial Recognition: - While international law may not automatically become Indian law, Indian courts do refer to international treaties and customary international law when interpreting the Constitution or statutes. Courts have often looked at international law principles to interpret domestic law, especially in cases related to human rights. 5. Exceptions: - In certain cases, international law can be applied directly by the courts if it does not contradict Indian law. For example, customary international law may sometimes be used if it does not conflict with Indian statutes. In summary, international law does not automatically become part of Indian law. It requires domestic legislation or judicial recognition to be enforceable within the country.

Answer By Anik

Dear Client, The international laws do not automatically join the laws of India. India applies a dualist system and therefore international agreements only become enforceable once matched by domestic laws. The Supreme Court decided in Gramophone Company of India Ltd. v. Birendra Bahadur Pandey (1984) that legislation is needed before international law forms part of Indian law. Indian courts have, in select cases, taken a different or more careful, approach. According to the judiciary, customary international law CIL—established rules formed through a state’s practice—is treated as part of the domestic law if it does not go against already established laws. As an illustration, in Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. According to the Supreme Court, rules from international environmental law may be applied to domestic law unless there is otherwise conflicting legislation in India. In addition, the Indian Constitution includes ways to bring international law into its system. Parliament is empowered by Article 253 to pass laws that will carry out any treaty, agreement or convention between the country and another nation. Article 51 of the Directive Principles of State Policy recommends the State take steps to show regard for international law and the obligations outlined in treaties. Overall, Indian law isn’t connected to international law right away, but there are legal and judicial grounds for including it if its positions are similar to Indian law and it isn’t in conflict with other laws. I hope this answer helps. In case of future queries please feel free to contact us. Thank you.

Answer By Enju Rohan Kumar

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