NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 10: Law and Social Justice

Laws are not just rules written in a book; they are the shields that protect a worker from being underpaid or a consumer from being cheated. For students looking into class 8 civics law and social justice question answer, the main focus is understanding how the government balances the power between rich companies and common citizens. Whether it is a factory worker in a crowded city or a child working in a small workshop, the law must ensure that "social justice" is served.

This chapter highlights that merely making laws is not enough, the government must also enforce them. From the tragic lessons of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to the modern-day "Polluter Pays" principle, these law and social justice class 8 questions and answers break down the complex relationship between the market, the people, and the state.

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NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 10

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS

Q.1. Talk to two workers (for example, construction workers, farm worker, factory workers at any shop) to find out if they are receiving the minimum wages laid down by law.

Ans.

i. Farm workers are not getting minimum wages in villages.

ii. Women workers are not getting equal wages as that of men which is not permitted by law.

Read More: NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 1

Q.2. What are the advantages to foreign companies in setting up production in India?

Ans.

i. They get cheap labours or workers in India.

ii. Since India has the second largest population country, there is a very vast internal market of foreign goods available in India.

iii. India’s geographical conditions are favourable. India is linked to many other countries of the world. The companies can export their goods to major markets of the world.

Q.3. Do you think the victims of the Bhopal Gas tragedy got justice? Discuss.

Ans. The victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy have not got justice even after 28 years of Bhopal Gas Tragedy on December 2, 1984.

Even today 50,000 people are too sick to work. Many of them have developed severe respiratory disorders, eye-problems and other disorders.

Even today many factories, workshops mines are running without proper safety measures.

Q.4. What do we mean when we speak of law enforcement? Who is responsible for enforcement? Why is enforcement so important?

Ans.

i. Meaning: Law enforcement means that the law maker and enforcer, the government ensures that safety laws are duly implemented.

ii. The government (Executive) is responsible for enforcement law.

iii. The enforcement of law is so important that without enforcement, the framing of laws meaningless. Safety laws were not enforced that led to Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

Q.5. How can laws ensure that markets work in a manner that is fair? Give two examples to support your answer.

Ans.

i. Laws should ensure that business men use ISI marked balance, weights or measurements.

ii. The products especially the medicines and eatables should have MRP (Maximum Retail Price) and expiry date, marked on them.

It is through laws that the markets are regulated and the relation between workers, consumers and producers are not allowed to become explosive.

Read More: NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 5

Q.6. Imagine yourself to be a worker working in a chemical factory, which has received orders from the government to move to a different site 100 km away from the present location. Write about how you life would change. Read out the response in the classroom.

Ans.

a. I will have to shift my family.

b. I will have to give ‘Change of address’ notice for my bank and other legal documents.

c. I will have to change the school of my children. If they don’t get a good school, their studies will suffer.

Q.7. Write a paragraph on the various roles of the government that you have read about in this unit.

Ans.

i. The legislative organ of the government makes laws.

ii. The executive organ of the government implements these laws and enforcement of the laws safeguards the interest of the minorities.

iii. The judiciary organ of the government decides punishment for the law breakers.

iv. The government ensures that the social justice is achieved in the society, for example: workers do not work below minimum wages; child labour is not practiced.

v. The government also undertakes welfare functions are met.

Q.8. What are the sources of environmental pollution in your area? Discuss with respect to: (a) air (b) water and (c) soil. What are the steps being taken to reduce the pollution? Can you suggest some other measures?

Ans.

i. The sources of environment pollution in our area are:

a. Air is being pollutes from smoke coming from factories, Chimneys.

b. Smoke from petrol and diesel vehicles also pollutes the air.

c. Water pollution is caused by dirt, chemical, fertilizers and garbage from factories, farms and houses.

d. Human wastes and dirt from factories pollute the soil.

ii. The steps taken to reduce pollution are:

a. New laws are being made to check the environment pollution.

b. CNG vehicles are promoted which do not cause pollution.

c. Actions are being taken against companies who are responsible to violate environment laws.

iii. Other suggestions: Laws alone cannot make the environment clean. It is the people and every individual who is responsible and should take voluntary actions to minimize pollution.

Q.9. How was environment treated earlier? What has been the change in perception? Discuss.

Ans.

i. Earlier, the environment was considered a free entity which anyone could spoil. There was hardly any law to protect the environment. Neither the people, nor the government could take any action.

ii. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy has brought the issues of environment to the forefront. Indian Government has introduced laws to protect the environment. The court has declared the environment to be a public facility and the government is responsible for checking pollution, clear rivers and punishes the wrong doers.

Q.10 What do you think the famous cartoons R.K Laxman is trying to convey in this cartoon? How does it relate to the 2006 law that you read ? It is really cruel burding kids like this. I had to hire that boy help my son.

Ans.

(i)  I think the famous cartoonist is trying to draw our attention towards child-labour. In the cartoon, a rich woman hires another child to lesson the burden of heavy school-bag on her child’s shoulders.

(ii) The law of 2006, is an amendment to the child labour and Prevention Act, which bans children under 14 years of age from working as domestic servants, tea shops etc.

Read More: NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 7

Why Do We Need Laws?

In a market, there are three main players: the producer, the consumer, and the worker. Often, to make more profit, producers might try to pay workers low wages or provide poor working conditions. This is where the law steps in.

• Minimum Wages Act: This law ensures that workers are not underpaid. It is updated regularly to match the cost of living.

• Protection for Consumers: Laws ensure that products sold in the market are safe and of the right quality.

• Child Labour Prevention: The law prohibits children under the age of 14 from working in hazardous environments.

When you study the class 8 law and social justice question answer, you realise that laws are necessary to stop the "strong" from taking advantage of the "weak".

What was the Bhopal Gas Tragedy?

One of the most important parts of the NCERT Class 8 civics law and social justice question answer is the study of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984). Union Carbide, an American company, had a pesticide plant in Bhopal. Due to safety lapses, a highly poisonous gas (methyl isocyanate – MIC) leaked, killing thousands and leaving many more with lifelong health issues.

Why did the leakage happen?

• Weak Safety Standards: The company ignored safety measures to cut costs.

• Poor Enforcement: The government officials did not strictly enforce the existing safety laws.

• Lack of Value for Life: Indian safety laws were less strict than US laws.

This tragedy taught India that the "Right to Life" guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution must include a safe and healthy environment.

What was the Role of the Government in the enforcement of the law?

Enacting laws is only half the fight. The real work is enforcement. The government has two major duties as described in the class 8 civics chapter law and social justice question answer: 

1. Inspection: Government inspectors must regularly check factories to ensure safety rules are followed.

2. Protection of Rights: The government must act as a mediator to ensure that private companies do not violate the fundamental rights of citizens.

New Laws to Protect the Environment in Class 8 Civics law and Social Justice 

In the past, the environment was treated as a "free" resource. Companies could pollute rivers and air without any consequences. However, after the Bhopal tragedy, the Indian government introduced stricter environmental laws.

• Polluter Pays Principle: The person or company causing pollution is now responsible for the damage caused and must pay for the cleanup.

• Right to a Healthy Environment: The courts have ruled that the Right to Life includes the right to enjoy pollution-free water and air.

Check Out: Class 8 Combo Set of 5 Books

Difference Between Worker Rights and Private Companies

To help you understand the class 8 civics chapter 8 law and social justice question answer better, here is a quick comparison:

Key Terms from Class 8 Civics Law and Social Justice 

• Minimum Wage: The lowest amount a worker can be paid by law.

• Enforcement: The act of making sure a law is actually followed in real life.

• Investment: Money spent to start or expand a business.

• Exploitation: Treating someone unfairly to benefit from their work.

Class 8 Civics: Law and Social Justice Extra Question Answers

1. What is a “contractor system” and why can it be unfair?

Many factories hire workers through contractors so the company avoids responsibility. Workers may get lower wages, no leave, and no job security.

2. Why do workers often accept unsafe conditions?

Because jobs are scarce. If someone complains, they may be replaced. This power gap is exactly why laws are needed.

3. What is the role of “public pressure” in getting laws enforced?

When people file complaints, share information, or approach courts and media, the government is pushed to inspect and act. Laws work better when citizens stay alert.

4. How do labels and bills protect consumers?

Labels tell you ingredients, expiry date, and warnings. Bills act as proof if you need to complain or ask for a replacement.

5. Why are safety rules stricter in some countries than others?

Some governments enforce rules strongly and companies risk heavy penalties. Where enforcement is weak, companies may cut corners to reduce costs.

6. What is “social justice” in this chapter in one line?

It means using laws to reduce unfairness so workers, consumers, and the environment are not harmed for someone else’s profit.

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NCERT Solutions for class 8 Civics Chapter-10 FAQs

1. Why is the Minimum Wages Act necessary?

The Minimum Wages Act is necessary because many workers are not in a position to bargain for fair pay. This law prevents employers from exploiting workers by paying them less than what is needed for a basic living.

2. How did the Bhopal Gas Tragedy change environmental laws in India?

The tragedy made the government realise that the environment is not a free resource. New laws were created making the polluter accountable (the "Polluter Pays" principle) and ensuring that the public's right to a healthy environment is protected.

3. What does "Right to Life" include according to the courts?

According to the Supreme Court, the Right to Life under Article 21 is a fundamental right that includes the right to the enjoyment of pollution-free water and air for full enjoyment of life.

4. Why do foreign companies come to India to set up factories?

Foreign companies often come to India for cheap labour. They can pay lower wages compared to developed countries and save money on safety equipment and worker housing, which helps them make higher profits.

5. Is the government the only responsible body for social justice?

While the government plays a lead role by making and enforcing laws, citizens and NGOs also play a part. People must stay aware of their rights and use the courts to seek justice when laws are violated.