Pragmatic Approach to Law: A Study of Indian Experience

Abstract

The pragmatic approach to law emphasizes the practical application of legal principles to real-world situations rather than rigid adherence to abstract doctrines. This research explores the evolution and significance of pragmatism in the Indian legal system, focusing on how Indian courts, particularly the Supreme Court, have adopted a functional and result-oriented perspective in constitutional interpretation, public interest litigation, and social justice adjudication. The paper critically examines landmark judgments to trace how pragmatism has influenced judicial reasoning in balancing conflicting interests, accommodating social change, and fostering democratic values. It also evaluates the challenges posed by judicial overreach and inconsistency. Through a contextual analysis, the study highlights how pragmatism in Indian law has both enriched legal discourse and raised questions about predictability and judicial accountability.