Explanation: In a democratic society, the administration of justice is a fundamental pillar that upholds the principles of equality, fairness, and the rule of law. The concept of justice being the soul of a democratic society implies that it must be administered without fear and favour. This means that the judicial process must be free from any external pressures or personal biases that could influence the outcome of a case.
The term "fear" in this context refers to the influence of external pressures, such as threats or intimidation, that could affect the impartiality of the judicial process. For example, if a judge is influenced by threats from a powerful individual or group, the justice administered would not be fair and impartial. Similarly, "favour" refers to the influence of personal biases or preferences that could sway the judge's decision. If a judge favours a particular party due to personal relationships or other biases, the justice administered would be compromised.
The principle of impartiality is crucial in the judicial system because it ensures that all individuals are treated equally under the law. This means that the outcome of a case should be based solely on the facts and the law, without any external influences. The independence of the judiciary is a key aspect of this principle, as it ensures that judges can make decisions without fear of retribution or favour from external sources.
In a democratic society, the administration of justice without fear and favour is essential to maintain public trust in the judicial system. If the public perceives that the judicial process is influenced by external factors, it can lead to a loss of faith in the legal system, undermining the very foundation of democracy. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) Fear and Favour, as it accurately reflects the principle of impartiality required in the administration of justice in a democratic society.