2 minConstitutional Provision
Constitutional Provision

Article 14 of the Indian Constitution

What is Article 14 of the Indian Constitution?

Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees to every person the Right to Equality. It states that 'The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.'

Historical Background

Inspired by the British concept of Rule of Law and the American concept of Equal Protection of Laws. Enshrined as a Fundamental Right in Part III of the Constitution to establish a society free from arbitrary discrimination and ensure justice for all citizens.

Key Points

7 points
  • 1.

    Equality before the Law: Means no person is above the law and all are subject to the ordinary law of the land administered by ordinary law courts. It implies the absence of any special privilege.

  • 2.

    Equal Protection of Laws: Implies that among equals, the law should be equal and equally administered. It permits reasonable classification (not discrimination) but prohibits class legislation.

  • 3.

    Applicable to all persons (citizens and non-citizens, legal persons like corporations).

  • 4.

    Forms the bedrock of Rule of Law in India.

  • 5.

    Not an absolute right; allows for reasonable classification based on intelligible differentia and rational nexus to the object sought to be achieved.

  • 6.

    The Supreme Court has held that Article 14 strikes at arbitrariness in State action (Maneka Gandhi case, 1978).

  • 7.

    It is a negative obligation on the State, preventing it from discriminating.

Visual Insights

Understanding Article 14: Equality Before Law

Mind map illustrating the key aspects and implications of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.

Article 14: Equality Before Law

  • Equality Before Law
  • Equal Protection of Laws
  • Exceptions
  • Judicial Interpretation

Evolution of Article 14 Jurisprudence

Timeline showing key events and judgments related to Article 14.

Article 14 has been interpreted and expanded through numerous judicial pronouncements, shaping its application in various contexts.

  • 1950Constitution of India comes into force, enshrining Article 14.
  • 1973Kesavananda Bharati case: Basic Structure Doctrine limits Parliament's amending power.
  • 1978Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India: Expanded interpretation of Article 21, impacting Article 14.
  • 2018Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India: Decriminalization of homosexuality, relying on Article 14.
  • 2020Supreme Court upholds Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act.
  • 2022Arguments heard on the validity of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), with petitioners arguing it violates Article 14.
  • 2026Ongoing debates regarding the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and its impact on Article 14.

Recent Developments

4 developments

Judicial interpretations have expanded its scope to include dignity and non-arbitrariness.

Applied in various contexts like gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and socio-economic justice.

Debates on its effectiveness in addressing subtle and systemic forms of discrimination, as highlighted by the call for an anti-racism law.

Used to challenge discriminatory policies and practices in public employment and welfare schemes.

This Concept in News

1 topics

Source Topic

Condemnation After Racial Abuse of Arunachal Women in Delhi

Social Issues

UPSC Relevance

Extremely important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity, Fundamental Rights). A foundational concept, frequently tested in Prelims and Mains, especially in questions related to constitutional principles, social justice, and judicial review.

Understanding Article 14: Equality Before Law

Mind map illustrating the key aspects and implications of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.

Article 14: Equality Before Law

No one is above the law

Applies to all individuals

Treat similarly situated individuals similarly

Rational basis for classification

President and Governors

Natural Justice

Connections
Equality Before LawEqual Protection Of Laws

Evolution of Article 14 Jurisprudence

Timeline showing key events and judgments related to Article 14.

1950

Constitution of India comes into force, enshrining Article 14.

1973

Kesavananda Bharati case: Basic Structure Doctrine limits Parliament's amending power.

1978

Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India: Expanded interpretation of Article 21, impacting Article 14.

2018

Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India: Decriminalization of homosexuality, relying on Article 14.

2020

Supreme Court upholds Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act.

2022

Arguments heard on the validity of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), with petitioners arguing it violates Article 14.

2026

Ongoing debates regarding the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and its impact on Article 14.

Connected to current news