Q. With reference to the concept of ‘Police State’ in polity, consider the following statements:
1. Its main objective is the establishment of economic and social democracy in a country.
2. This concept is based on the theory of Laissez-Faire.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Exp) Option b is the correct answer.
The Directive Principles in India embody the concept of a ‘welfare state’ and not that of a ‘police state’, which existed during the colonial era.
Statement 1 is incorrect: A ‘Police State’ is mainly concerned with the maintenance of law and order and defence of the country against external aggression. It is a country in which the government uses the police to severely limit people’s freedom. The concept of a ‘welfare state’ is in contrast to that of a ‘police state’. A ‘Welfare State’ seeks to establish economic and social democracy in the country.
Statement 2 is correct: The concept of Police state is based on the nineteenth century theory of individualism or laissezfaire. The theory of laissez faire in the 19th century envisages maximum free enterprise and contractual freedom. The law and order characterized the situation in the state. Its role was limited to the traditional role of government as a protector
