The Right to Equality under Article 14 is the foundation of India’s constitutional promise of fairness. It ensures that the law treats everyone equally and that no individual or group receives special privilege without a valid reason. For CLAT aspirants and law students, this Article plays a crucial role in understanding how justice operates in a democracy.
What Article 14 Says?
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.”
This means two things—everyone is equal in the eyes of the law, and laws must protect all individuals fairly.
Equality Before Law vs Equal Protection of Laws
Though these phrases sound similar, they serve different purposes.
Equality before the law is a negative concept. It means that the law won’t give anyone special treatment. Every citizen, from the President to a student, faces the same legal process.
Equal protection of laws is a positive concept. It allows the State to treat people differently if there’s a valid reason. This is where classification comes in.
Reasonable Classification: The Key Principle
Article 14 does not mean all laws must apply to everyone identically. The State can make classifications to treat different groups differently—but the classification must be reasonable.
The Supreme Court laid down two tests to check this:
- Intelligible Differentia – The group being treated differently must be logically and clearly defined.
- Rational Nexus – The difference must be directly related to the objective of the law.
If a law fails either test, courts can strike it down for violating Article 14.
Important Case Laws You Should Know
In E.P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu (1974), the Court said that equality and arbitrariness are enemies. If a law is arbitrary, it cannot be equal.
In Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), the Court expanded the scope of Article 14. It ruled that the law must not only be fair in appearance but also in procedure.
In State of West Bengal v. Anwar Ali Sarkar (1952), the Supreme Court struck down a law that allowed discrimination without justification, calling it a violation of Article 14.
Reservations and Article 14
Many students wonder—does reservation violate the Right to Equality under Article 14? The answer is no.
The Constitution allows positive discrimination or affirmative action to uplift weaker sections. As long as the classification is reasonable and has a clear purpose, it does not breach Article 14. In fact, it helps achieve real equality.
Why Article 14 Still Matters Today?
In modern India, laws continue to evolve. Article 14 ensures that every law respects fairness. It protects people from biased laws, unjust procedures, and arbitrary actions by the State. Whether it’s a rule in schools, a government policy, or a court judgment, the Right to Equality under Article 14 holds everyone accountable.
Conclusion: Article 14 is the Heart of Justice
The Right to Equality under Article 14 guarantees fairness for every citizen. It does not demand sameness—it demands fairness with reason. Once you understand this principle, you can see how laws in India aim to balance liberty, justice, and progress. For every law student and CLAT aspirant, mastering Article 14 is a must.
