Soft Law:
Soft law is all about those legal instruments that don't carry the weight of enforcement like the traditional hard law. Unlike treaties, statutes, or conventions which have legal obligations attached to them, soft law instruments are more like suggestions or guidelines.

They serve as a framework for behaviour and cooperation in areas where things can get pretty complicated and ever-changing, especially in the world of international law and governance. Soft law stands out because it's flexible, adaptable, and allows for open conversations among all kinds of people involved.

It's like a glue that holds everything together without being too rigid. There are various examples of soft law, such as declarations, resolutions, codes of conduct, and guidelines that are issued by international organizations or states. While it is not mandatory to comply with soft law, its impact is significant. This is because it can help shape customary international law and potentially lead to the creation of stricter and more binding legal obligations. Soft law instruments are extremely useful in tackling global issues, fostering consensus among nations, and laying the groundwork for the future development of stronger legal frameworks.

Declaration on Human Rights:
One concrete example of soft law that stands out is the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR). Back in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly approved the UDHR, which lays out essential principles regarding human rights without imposing any legally binding requirements.

Although it cannot be enforced in a court of law, the UDHR has played a crucial role as a fundamental document that informs the creation of subsequent hard law instruments like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

Environmental Agreement:
Numerous global agreements pertaining to the environment often commence as non-binding norms before eventually transforming into obligatory treaties. Take, for example, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, which emerged during the 1992 Earth Summit. This declaration lays down fundamental principles concerning sustainable development. Although it lacks legal enforceability in isolation, the Rio Declaration exerts a notable impact on subsequent negotiations and adoptions of binding treaties like the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Corporate Social Responsibility Guidelines:
Soft law is frequently used in the field of corporate governance and social responsibility. Codes of conduct and guidelines, like the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, offer flexible frameworks that businesses can choose to adopt in order to advance human rights and ethical business practices. Although compliance with these non-binding instruments is optional, they play a role in shaping corporate behaviour and nurturing a sense of social responsibility.

Principles of Governing the Internet:
The growth of soft law principles can also be seen in the changing landscape of internet governance. Documents such as the Charter of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the Statement of Net Mundial express non-binding norms and guidelines for governing the internet. These soft law instruments encourage worldwide discussions and collaboration among those involved, without enforcing strict legal obligations.

Soft Law in Diplomacy:
Soft law plays a vital role in diplomatic relations, where international norms are frequently established through agreements that do not carry legal obligations. Joint declarations, communiqués, and statements issued at international conferences or summits may articulate shared intentions and principles without creating binding commitments. The Helsinki Final Act of 1975, which emerged from the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, serves as an illustration of soft law in the realm of diplomacy, highlighting the significance of non-interference and the safeguarding of human rights.

In conclusion, it can be said that soft law offers a flexible and adaptable approach to tackling global challenges. It does so by presenting non-binding norms and principles. Although it lacks the strict enforceability of hard law, soft law instruments play a crucial role in shaping international norms. Furthermore, they promote cooperation and have an impact on the subsequent development of binding legal instruments.

Hard Law:
Hard law, in essence, pertains to laws and regulations that are not only legally binding but also have the power to be enforced. These rules are usually laid out in statutes, treaties, or other formal legal documents. They establish unmistakable duties and obligations for individuals, organizations, or even entire nations. If these rules are disregarded or breached, there can be legal repercussions. The defining features of hard law lie in its exactness, explicitness, and the existence of mechanisms to ensure compliance.

Take, for instance, international agreements like the United Nations Charter or the Paris Agreement on climate change. These agreements carry the weight of hard law, meaning that the parties involved are bound by legal obligation to adhere to the terms set out within them. Failure to comply could lead to serious consequences, such as sanctions or legal action.

Similarly, laws established by national legislatures, like criminal codes or environmental regulations e.g. Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita (BNS), NDPS Act, POCSO Act, also fall under the category of hard law within a country's borders. These laws set forth the legal norms and impose punishments for breaches, creating a structure for the operation of legal systems. Essentially, hard law offers a concrete and enforceable basis for legal systems, whether they be at the global or local levels.

Differences between Hard Law and Soft Law:
Hard Law and Soft Law exhibit notable contrasts in various fundamental aspects, highlighting disparities in their inherent characteristics, enforceability, and practical ramifications. Presented below are the distinctions between Hard Law and Soft Law.

• Hard Law imposes binding obligations on the parties involved, and failure to comply with these obligations leads to legal repercussions. On the other hand, Soft Law does not possess the same degree of enforceability; adherence to it is a matter of choice, and non-compliance does not usually result in legal sanctions.
   
• Hard Law typically takes the shape of treaties, conventions, statutes, or laws that possess a distinct and well-established legal authority. Soft Law, on the other hand, assumes the form of declarations, resolutions, codes of conduct, or guidelines that often lack the formal nature of legally binding agreements.
   
• Hard Law refers to laws that can be enforced through legal mechanisms, such as courts or dispute resolution processes, either at a national or international level. On the other hand, Soft Law does not have formal mechanisms for enforcement; instead, compliance relies on the voluntary adherence of parties to the principles outlined.
   
• Hard Law consists of binding and absolute obligations that are imposed upon the parties involved. On the other hand, Soft Law provides suggestions and principles that serve as guidance, but adherence to them is not mandatory and ultimately depends on the parties' discretion.
   
• Hard Law is often distinguished by its use of clear, specific, and precise language in order to guarantee a straightforward and unambiguous interpretation. On the other hand, Soft Law tends to be more flexible and open to various interpretations, which allows for a certain level of adaptability and responsiveness when faced with evolving circumstances.
   
• Hard Law is a form of law that clearly sets out legal rights and responsibilities for those involved. On the other hand, Soft Law encompasses principles and aspirations that may not necessarily establish legal rights and obligations.
   
• Hard Law gains its authority through official legal procedures, such as the decisions made by legislative bodies or international agreements. On the other hand, Soft Law often emerges from international organizations, conferences, or declarations that do not possess the same formal legal standing.
   
• Hard Law, as it is commonly understood, has the intention of lasting for a considerable period and necessitates official procedures for any modifications or abolition. On the other hand, Soft Law has the advantage of being more flexible in response to varying situations and can effortlessly develop and transform as time goes by.
   
• Hard Law holds a significant position in shaping the international legal framework and settling disagreements between nations. On the other hand, Soft Law has the tendency to aid in the formation of customary international law, promote collaboration, and establish a groundwork for future hard law.
   
• Hard Law necessitates a significant degree of agreement among participating parties during the process of negotiation and acceptance. On the other hand, Soft Law provides an avenue for the articulation of common principles without the requirement for absolute consensus, thereby promoting collaboration even in instances where enforceable agreements cannot be promptly attained.