Introduction: Laws act as an instrument of socio-economic and political change in society. Since laws are backed by the state and have a coercive nature, individuals conform to them.

(i) Laws ensure a certain degree of uniformity of behaviour among diverse groups of individuals and their varied cultural and behavioural patterns.

(ii) Laws also seek to mitigate social evils and to uplift the lower sections of society. In India, laws protect the interests of the weaker sections of society, particularly of those belonging to the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward castes. Laws also protect the interests of women, children and other disadvantaged sections of society.

(iii) Law performs reformations for society. Laws try to alter age-old customs which are considered inimical to social stability and progress. Thus, in 1829, a law was passed banning sati. A century later, another law fixed the minimum age for marriage for boys (18 years) and girls (14 years). Still later, another law has banned the practice of giving and taking of dowry. On a different note, Article 17 of the Indian Constitution has abolished untouchability and today the practice of untouchability is an offence punishable by imprisonment.

The role of law as an instrument of social change finds full expression where law comes in confrontation with social customs.

However, laws alone cannot bring about social transformation. They need to be adequately supported by the structure of society and by the people at large too.