“An unjust law is itself a species of violence. Arrest for its breach is more so.”
- October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948
- British Indian Empire
- Lawyer, religious leader, social activist, political leader
- As a leader of the Indian independence movement, he advocated non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) and contributed to India’s independence from Britain.
Quote
“An unjust law is itself a species of violence. Arrest for its breach is more so.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mahatma Gandhi underscores his belief that unjust laws are inherently violent because they oppress individuals and violate their basic rights and dignity. For Gandhi, laws are meant to protect the moral and social order, but when they serve to oppress or discriminate, they themselves become a form of violence. The second part of the quote extends this idea by emphasizing that the enforcement of such laws—through actions like arrest—is an even greater form of violence because it involves coercion, humiliation, and punishment for standing up against injustice. Gandhi’s view reflects his broader philosophy of nonviolence (ahimsa), where he advocated for civil disobedience as a peaceful means of resisting oppressive systems and laws, especially when they contradict fundamental moral principles.
The quote also speaks to the idea that laws are not inherently just simply because they are enacted by authorities. Gandhi’s stance highlights the importance of ethical governance, where laws should reflect the moral values of the society they serve. In a modern context, this quote invites reflection on current social justice movements, where laws may be used to discriminate or oppress, such as those related to racial inequality, immigration, or economic injustice. Gandhi’s words remind us that laws must be just to avoid becoming tools of violence, and that people have the right to resist them peacefully when they serve to harm rather than protect.
A contemporary example can be found in the civil rights movements led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., who famously echoed Gandhi’s belief that laws upholding segregation were unjust and that peaceful protest against them was a moral duty. In modern times, movements like Black Lives Matter or climate justice campaigns also challenge unjust laws and policies, calling for reform to ensure that laws reflect the principles of equality and justice. Gandhi’s quote serves as a timeless reminder that the fight for moral justice may require nonviolent resistance to the laws that perpetuate harm and inequality.
