“The World and the Word”, 3 July 2021
Scope and Contents
The Upendra Baxi Collection is a digital collection that currently comprises a single series, Bibliography. This series is organised into several subseries, including Published Academic Articles, Published Book Chapters, Published Books, Published Book Reviews, Published Lectures and Presentations from Conferences and Seminars, Newspaper Articles, Letters and Correspondence (Mathura Rape Case), Other Media, and Media Articles by Others on the Mathura Rape Case.
Dates
- Publication: 3 July 2021
Creator
- Upendra Baxi (Author, Person)
- Sharunya (Archives Intern, Person)
- Meghashree Dev (Processing Archivist, Person)
Full Extent
From the Collection: 250 Megabytes
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This philosophical essay examines the power of language in law and politics. Baxi argues that the "word" (legal text) is often weaponized to mask the harsh "world" of power and suffering. He critiques how terms like "security" and "development" are used to justify the suspension of rights. Baxi urges legal scholars to be "custodians of meaning," ensuring that language serves human dignity rather than state propaganda. He calls for a "jurisprudence of empathy" that looks past formal definitions to address the lived realities of the marginalized, asserting that words must be a tool for liberation. In India Legal.
Topical
Repository Details
Part of the NLS Law and Society Archives Repository