Article 14 – Equality Before Law Under Indian Constitution

Here’s a closer look at Article 14 and its significance:

1. Text of Article 14: Article 14 of the Indian Constitution states: “The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.”
2. Equality Before the Law: This part of the article ensures that every person, regardless of their status, is subject to the same legal provisions and procedures. It means that no one is above the law, and all individuals are treated equally in the eyes of the law.
3. Equal Protection of Laws: This part ensures that the state does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals. It means that the state cannot arbitrarily apply the law or treat different individuals or groups differently without reasonable justification.
4. Principle of Non-Discrimination: Article 14 enshrines the principle of non-discrimination. It prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or any other arbitrary characteristic. The state is mandated to treat all individuals equally without any bias.
5. Reasonable Classification: While Article 14 guarantees equality, it also recognizes that not all individuals or situations are the same. Therefore, the state can make reasonable classifications if they are based on intelligible differentia and have a rational nexus with the object sought to be achieved. In other words, any differentiation must be reasonable and should serve a legitimate state purpose.
6. Writ Jurisdiction: Article 14 is often invoked in writ petitions filed in the Supreme Court and High Courts. If a person or group feels that they are being discriminated against or treated unfairly by the state, they can approach the courts for redress under Article 32 (Supreme Court) or Article 226 (High Courts).
7. Case Law: The interpretation and application of Article 14 have evolved through various landmark judgments by the Indian Supreme Court. These judgments have clarified and expanded the scope of equality before the law and equal protection of the laws.

In summary, Article 14 of the Indian Constitution is a fundamental right that ensures that all individuals are treated equally under the law and that the state does not discriminate against anyone. It is a crucial element in upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and non-discrimination within India’s legal system.